Two men operating the notorious dark web marketplace, “Empire Market,” have been charged in federal court in Chicago. The platform, active from 2018 to 2020, facilitated the anonymous trade of over $430 million worth of illegal goods globally. Allegedly, the operators, Thomas Pavey and Raheim Hamilton, managed this marketplace, which became a hub for various illegal activities. According to the U.S. District Court’s superseding indictment, the defendants face severe charges, including drug trafficking and money laundering. For more details on their operations, click here.
Law Enforcement and Legal Proceedings
Thomas Pavey, known online as “Dopenugget,” and Raheim Hamilton, alias “Sydney” and “Zero Angel,” are now under U.S. law enforcement custody. Their arraignments in federal court have yet to be scheduled. Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Morris Pasqual, alongside prominent FBI and Homeland Security officials, announced the superseding indictment. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melody Wells and Ann Marie Ursini will represent the government in this case.
Background and Seizures
Prior to running Empire Market, Pavey and Hamilton were involved in selling counterfeit U.S. currency on AlphaBay, a dark web marketplace shut down in 2017. Empire Market began operations on February 1, 2018, attracting thousands of vendors and buyers who used anonymizing software to access the site. The marketplace offered a variety of illicit items, including drugs, counterfeit currency, and stolen credit card information. Federal law enforcement seized cryptocurrency valued at $75 million, along with cash and precious metals during the investigation.
Pavey and Hamilton’s indictment covers numerous criminal activities. The charges include conspiracy to engage in drug trafficking, computer fraud, access device fraud, counterfeiting, and money laundering. If convicted, they could face a maximum life sentence in federal prison. The indictment serves as a reminder that the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a fair trial where the government must establish their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Federal authorities have been targeting dark web marketplaces for several years. AlphaBay’s shutdown in 2017 was a significant blow to the illicit online trade, and several operators faced legal actions similar to Pavey and Hamilton’s. The seizure of $75 million in cryptocurrency underscores the scale and profitability of such marketplaces. The high volume of transactions showcases the dark web’s extensive reach and the challenge law enforcement faces in curbing illegal online activities.
Comparatively, this case is substantial due to the monetary value involved and the broad range of illegal goods traded. The meticulous planning and execution of these marketplaces highlight the evolving nature of cybercrime. Law enforcement agencies continue to adapt their strategies to counter these sophisticated operations effectively. Previous cases have shown that cybercriminals often exploit advanced technologies, making it crucial for authorities to enhance their investigative techniques continuously.
The charges against Pavey and Hamilton illustrate the ongoing battle against dark web marketplaces. Their alleged involvement in facilitating large-scale illegal transactions through Empire Market highlights the persistent issue of cybercrime. The case also demonstrates the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies to dismantle such illicit platforms and bring the operators to justice.
