In a major blow to online and dark web drug trafficking, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the arrest of Rui-Siang Lin, a 23-year-old man from Taiwan. Lin, who went by the handles of Pharoah, and faro, is accused of operating Incognito Market, one of the largest illegal narcotics marketplaces on the dark web, facilitating over $100 million in illicit sales.
According to the DOJ press release, Lin was apprehended at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York on May 18th, 2024. He is charged with one count of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison. He also faces charges of narcotics conspiracy, money laundering, and conspiracy to sell adulterated and misbranded medication.
Incognito Market: A Global Bazaar for Illegal Drugs
Incognito Market surfaced in October 2020 and operated on the dark web, a hidden part of the internet accessible only through the Tor browser. This anonymity allowed users to buy and sell illegal narcotics, including fentanyl-laced pills disguised as prescription medication, across the globe.
Lin Accused of Profiteering from Deadly Trade
The DOJ alleges that Lin profited significantly from Incognito Market, taking a 5% cut of every sale. This system reportedly netted him millions of dollars.
Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the department’s commitment to pursuing criminals operating online. “Drug traffickers who think they can operate outside the law on the dark web are wrong,” he stated.
Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York echoed this sentiment, highlighting the dangers posed by the Incognito Market. “Lin’s alleged operation resulted in the illicit sale of over $100 million in narcotics, including those that were mislabeled and later found to include deadly fentanyl.”
It is worth noting that at the time of publishing this article, the Incognito Market was still online
Lin’s Case a Warning to Dark Web Criminals
The arrest of Rui-Siang Lin sends a clear message to those operating on the dark web: law enforcement is actively working to dismantle these criminal networks. The case also underscores the dangers associated with anonymous online marketplaces, where potentially deadly substances can be easily obtained.
Jake Moore, Global Cybersecurity Advisor, ESET commended law enforcement agencies on their investigation. “This arrest highlights the amount of work and effort put in by law enforcement-run cybercrime units around the globe and how they will exploit any mistake made to target their offenders and the real task now will be to prove the arrest was not in vain and create an investigation full of evidence to put the perpetrator behind bars.”