Blockchain safety agency TRM Labs reported that Russian-language darknet marketplaces dominated crypto-linked drug transactions in 2024.
In accordance with the report, the platforms had been behind greater than 97% of the drug-related crypto exercise on the Bitcoin and TRON networks. That interprets to round $1.65 billion out of the $1.7 billion traced to drug commerce on each blockchains final yr.
[Editor’s Note: The total value of the global illegal drug trade is estimated to be over $600 billion, making the crypto portion a small fraction of the total criminal activity.]
Why Russian darknets are thriving
TRM Labs defined that a number of components contributed to the continued dominance of Russian darknet marketplaces. These embody a diminished risk of enforcement motion, the comparatively low value of importing chemical precursors from China, and the rising demand for artificial narcotics.
Furthermore, of the almost 20 energetic marketplaces recognized, solely 4 ceased operations throughout the yr, with Solaris being probably the most notable shutdown.
Curiously, operators on this house have adopted a stunning code of conduct. Moderately than finishing up exit scams, widespread in Western illicit markets, Russian darknet directors usually enable customers to withdraw funds earlier than shutting down operations.
This observe has helped keep a stage of belief inside their communities, in contrast to their Western counterparts, which have been marred by takedowns and fraudulent closures which have shattered person confidence.
Distributors shift to encrypted channels
Whereas Russian marketplaces thrived, the broader illicit drug commerce underwent a major transformation in 2024.
Distributors more and more moved away from centralized darknet markets in favor of encrypted messaging platforms equivalent to Telegram, Sign, and safe e-mail channels.
This shift, initially extra widespread in Western areas, is now accelerating throughout Russian-speaking networks.
TRM Labs defined that this migration displays an effort to achieve much less tech-savvy patrons, cut back vendor charges, and keep away from disruptions brought on by market closures or legislation enforcement actions.
To take care of attain and operational stability, many distributors now function throughout a number of channels, together with clearnet web sites and social media.
In consequence, TRM Labs reported elevated crypto use linked to those decentralized vendor retailers. In 2023, such addresses obtained $289 million. That determine greater than doubled in 2024, hovering previous $600 million.
