This study provides a snapshot of the availability of weapons across eight omnibus or ‘High Street’ and 12 specialist darknet or illicit cryptomarkets between July and December 2019.

This report investigates the impact of darknet market closures (voluntary or exit scams) and law enforcement market seizures on the availability of fentanyl and other opioids.

Fighting spam requires a combination of technology and crime prevention strategies. This report suggests that the creation of effective partnerships between law enforcement agencies and stakeholders, such as ISPs and the private sector, is vital.

Tor darknet markets are frequently used as a litmus test of illicit drug and malware trends, as well as criminal novelty and entrepreneurship more generally. Crime follows opportunity and the COVID-19 pandemic offers profiteering arising from shortages and fear.

The convergence of anonymous online illicit darknet markets (or cryptomarkets) and cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, has created an efficient retail platform for illicit markets, including potent new synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.