AlphaBay, the Largest Online “Dark Market,” Shut Down | Department of Justice

The U.S. Justice Department announced the shutdown of AlphaBay — described as the largest online dark market with roughly 200,000 users — following the arrest (and later death in custody) of its alleged creator/administrator, Alexandre Cazes. AlphaBay facilitated the sale of illegal drugs, stolen and fraudulent identity documents, counterfeit goods, malware and hacking tools, firearms, and toxic chemicals; international partners froze millions in cryptocurrency proceeds and coordinated disruption of the Hansa Market as part of the operation.