365int
Europol just shut down one of the biggest dark web markets ever — Archetyp. With 600,000+ users and over $287 million in transactions, it was a huge hub for illegal drugs like cocaine and MDMA.
Archetyp ran for five years using Monero, a cryptocurrency known for privacy. Europol worked with six countries to raid servers in the Netherlands. They arrested the admin in Spain and also grabbed a moderator and six top sellers in Germany and Sweden.
TRM Labs, a blockchain intelligence firm, says dark web vendors are adapting fast. After shutdowns, they’re moving to apps like Telegram and Signal. These platforms are quicker and riskier to track.
The dark web never really dies. After Hydra, a Russian dark market, was shut down in 2022, another one popped up almost right away. But full comebacks are becoming rare now.
Archetyp even allowed the sale of fentanyl and synthetic opioids — something few markets permit. That made it notorious, putting it up there with infamous platforms like Silk Road.
TRM Labs says takedowns are working, but criminals are using tricks: fake names for domains, fast rebranding, and shady crypto exchanges to hide money.
The fight isn’t over. Authorities need better tools and teamwork to stay ahead of these underground operations.
*Footing:
Monero (XMR): A type of cryptocurrency that hides who’s sending, receiving, and how much.
Dark Web: A hidden part of the internet used for private or illegal activities.*
