๐ฅHot off the press!๐ฅ Rui-Siang Lin, a Taiwanese national, was arrested at JFK Airport on May 18 for running Incognito Market, a darknet drug bazaar. Operating under the pseudonym "Pharoah," Lin allegedly facilitated over $100 million in crypto transactions through the sale of illegal narcotics. ๐๐
Lin, who identifies as a crypto developer and Monero enthusiast, is facing a slew of charges, including money laundering, engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, narcotics conspiracy, and conspiracy to sell misbranded and adulterated medication. ๐ฑ
According to the FBI, they tracked Lin down by tracing crypto transactions from the marketplace to an exchange account under his name. The exchange provided Lin's driver's license, email, and phone number. ๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ๐ป
Despite the allegations, Lin reportedly conducted a workshop on cybercrime and cryptocurrency for police officers at the Saint Lucia Police Academy in early April. If convicted, he could be looking at a life sentence.๐ฎโโ๏ธ๐
This case serves as a stark reminder that the so-called "dark web" is not a sanctuary for illegal activities. As always, stay safe and smart in the crypto world, folks! ๐๐ก๐