"Dark web" trading sites closed down

[peterb]

Widely reported in the press and on BBC news, that after a long investigation, two trading sites on the so called dark web have been closed down. (AlphaBay and Hansa)

Interestingly, it seems that Dutch authorities gained control of one site in June and kept it running to track down users and - coincidentally? - it was about that time that the value of bitcoin and etherium tumbled.

One report (out of many) here

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technolog...rk-web-market/

[Corky34]

Let the game of whack-a-mole commence.

[Ttaskmaster]

Oh no...

Now where am I going to find my Ukranian brides and mortar rounds.... here... in space... at this hour?

[Murph02]

Oh no...

Now where am I going to find my Ukranian brides and mortar rounds.... here... in space... at this hour?

I hope they weren't delivered together? How many mortar shells could one woman carry on her person!

Are there any innocent users on those sites that trade legal items?

[Bonebreaker777]

Surely the demand will create a similar website. Or they switch to pigeons and parchments

[peterb]

Surely the demand will create a similar website. Or they switch to pigeons and parchments

Perhaps, but the fact that such sites can be taken down might deter the criminal fraternity from setting them up, and more significantly, deter potential buyers from using them.

[Ttaskmaster]

How many mortar shells could one woman carry on her person!

Theoretically, she can carry up to 92... Rounds.
They're only shells when they're falling, apparently.

Are there any innocent users on those sites that trade legal items?

Plenty. They're mostly like Mr Saracen, in that they simply don't want companies and advertisements tracking their every move.

[MLyons]

Perhaps, but the fact that such sites can be taken down might deter the criminal fraternity from setting them up, and more significantly, deter potential buyers from using them.

Although with Proper OPSec You're unlikely to get caught. While there's money and power to be had they will always be a thing.

[Lucio]

Criminals will always keep breaking the law, it was rather telling that one of the quotes from law enforcement in the case was that they fully expect replacements to surface and they'll keep working to take them down.

After all, people don't break the law for fun and enjoyment, well not the sane ones, they do it because it's far more profitable that anything else that they can do with their time.