Empire Darknet Drug Market Admin Gets Busted

Empire Darkweb Market was active from February 2018 to August 2020, becoming one of the largest platforms for all sorts of illegal activities, including drug and counterfeit goods sales. It filled the void left by Alphabay and Hansa, quickly becoming a significant player in the darknet world.
Empire Market was known for its wide range of categories like fraud, drugs, counterfeit items, and malware. Transactions were typically done using Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Monero, with Monero being favored for its enhanced privacy features. The market supported robust security measures like PGP encryption and two-factor authentication to protect its users.
In August 2020, Empire Market suddenly disappeared following a series of DDoS attacks and extortion attempts. Many believe the admins executed an exit scam, vanishing with $30 million of users' funds. The recent investigation has shed light on the real identities behind this massive operation: Thomas Pavey and Raheem Hamilton.
These two had a history of illegal activities dating back to Alphabay. They sold counterfeit U.S. currency and shared techniques to make their products more convincing. After Alphabay was shut down, they launched Empire Market, scaling up their operations significantly. This market facilitated around 4 million transactions worth over $430 million.
The authorities have now seized $75 million in cryptocurrency, cash, and precious metals from these operations. The charges against Pavey and Hamilton include conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, computer fraud, access device fraud, counterfeiting, and money laundering. Each of these charges carries severe penalties, with some potentially leading to life imprisonment.
This case highlights some major operational security (OpSec) mistakes made by the admins, such as inadequate encryption and traceable communications. Their failure to sufficiently anonymize cryptocurrency transactions also played a role in their downfall.
It's a significant bust in the darknet world, especially since these individuals had been out of the game for several years. It serves as a reminder of the long reach of law enforcement and the importance of OpSec.
Thanks for tuning in to this impromptu video! Big shoutout to Roach for breaking this news. Stay safe out there, everyone, and I'll see you in the next video. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more updates!
☆-----☆-----☆-----☆-----☆ CHAPTERS ☆-----☆-----☆-----☆-----☆
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:43 - Background on Empire Market
00:01:22 - Features of Empire Market
00:02:52 - Disappearance of Empire Market
00:03:20 - The Admins of Empire Market
00:04:40 - The Scale of Empire Market
00:05:34 - The End of Empire Market
00:06:15 - The Aftermath of Empire Market
00:07:04 - Potential Sentences for the Admins
00:07:33 - Detailed Look at the Charges
00:09:33 - Counterfeiting and Money Laundering Charges
00:10:33 - Possible Upward Departures
00:12:23 - Conclusion
00:12:53 - Mistakes Made by the Admins
00:15:36 - Outro
#darknetmarket #darknet #darkwebstories #darkweb
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The information provided in this video is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be legal or professional advice, and should not be relied upon as such.
By watching this video, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to these terms. If you do not agree to these terms, do not watch this video.

[@hammerfist8763]

Tumblers don't make the crypto untraceable, it just takes longer to trace it. It's not a good defense vs state actors with massive resources.

[@DoingFedTime]

💯

[@InvisibleYetVisible]

I don't think buyers have anything to be concerned about

[@emperorofmodding780]

@@DoingFedTime is there any alternative better than tumblers

[@bitcoinbeavis7742]

If you run a dark market and either exit scam or retire gracefully you need to leave the US. These guys don’t seem to get they aren’t safe here. They need to take their 30 million or whatever it is and move to Russia or a non extradition country forever and never come back.

[@w花b]

The issue is you get a ton of money but you lose a ton of freedom by not being able to travel. Kinda sucks. There's probably ways to hide your identity maybe becoming a new person and all that but it's becoming harder and harder every year in comparison to let's say the 80s for example.

[@bitcoinbeavis7742]

@@w花b yeah I guess that’s the trade off. I think Russia would be the best. The rest of the countries that don’t extradite are pretty much shithole African countries or Cuba. I definitely wouldn’t stay in the US because they take your freedom and money, now a bum is better off than you. Ross thought he was fine in San Francisco but nope. The incognito extortionist moron thought he would be cool with layovers in New York. He got laid over all right. I think all these guys have been caught in the US, Europe, or the big dog in Thailand. That’s why Russia seems the best. You could deal with being rich and running around Russia.

[@viagra5207]

or wait five years?

[@CandyBag]

What's the point of making all that money if you can never see your family again and go live in some shit hole country?

[@DutchPyro2011]

@@w花b No. New ID is impossible with iris scans & facial recognition.

[@TheApatheticGuy]

Them trying to convince the court they were underage to get a lighter sentence is hilarious. Like they wouldn't know? lmao

[@StanexCryptoTradingBoss]

they deserve lighter sentences,

[@ranjitkumargouda8970]

As a Indian, I suggest that they should arrest a few of Indian Scammer doing IT scams and give this kind of sentence.

[@TheApatheticGuy]

@@StanexCryptoTradingBoss The weed plugs on DNMs need no sentences, notice they weren't running something like Cannahome where it was limited to shit that won't kill you. I got no sympathy for people playing the games they were playing. Sucks they got caught but that fake money and other services is painting a big target on yourself

[@user-fp1qr4uc7k]

The two packages in the backseat are 50 kilos a piece

[@DoingFedTime]

Hahaah this made me laugh, that would be HORRIBLE opsec. The feds move drugs for me when I traffic!

[@J4ckski]

appreciate the effort getting this one uploaded. A banger as always

[@DoingFedTime]

Appreciate that

[@hellaboveme500]

Never forgo a robust exit strategy. This isnt the kind of thing you can just throw up deuces on and be gucci.

[@Cartiisthegoat29]

ohhh I see why a new video took so long now. I appreciate your effort!

[@DoingFedTime]

Hahah, thank you very much for your kind words, I appreciate the compliment!

[@JonMurray]

Thanks for the update man! Scary numbers to think about when it’s jail time!

[@mercedesc350e5]

Don’t be sorry for the quality. I for one love the authenticity/simplicity (and I prefer the lack of stock footage 😂)

[@kellymelrose8527]

me to ..

[@DoingFedTime]

1. Thank you for taking your time to comment. 2. Thank you for the feed back. 3. My playlists tend to be different styles, I should probably create a video explaining the differences, but much of DeepDotDarknet is very much like this. It's refreshing to hear thought that originallity is what you like.

[@rrosie1966]

Great reporting on the fly - the video was very good and excellent information. Keep up the great work!

[@user-fp7fs9xl2t]

Great To Have This Kind Of Content Available , Thanks Man ...

[@DoingFedTime]

Big thanks, @user-fp7fs9xl2t! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@naesone2653]

Back at it ❤

[@Bandobenz18]

I was a vendor alongside ECB and others from 2015-2018. My time ended when the feds ran Operation Dark Gold. Would love to see a video done about that Op as well as the money laundering vendor Gold.

[@desify6393]

What did u vend? Xanax?

[@Skunkhunt_42]

Already out?

[@DoingFedTime]

You and me both. Op Dark Gold was nonsensical at best. IMO it was just a way to get lists of people that were buying and selling crypto, then use that as an excuse to raid/open packs. If you can substantiate this and want to discuss it further reach out to me via other means. All my contact info is in the show notes.

[@davegebbings7632]

Another good one. Thanks Sam

[@yungriley]

Make a pgp encryption video? Dumbing it down and explaining how to set up and use?

[@RodsFromGod_26]

Great video man! I watched you first on DefCon, then found yer channel, new sub here. I've never sold or did drugs - or anything illegal for that matter. But I do find all of this darkweb stuff fascinating, just like I love real crime shows, unsolved mysteries, etc. One respectful suggestion man: I really don't think anyone cares about fancy editing. It's really not necessary, and I've seen others comment the same. I'd love to watch hour long videos (just like you spoke at defcon) of you just talking into the camera, with no editing at all. Make u a list of bullet points and roll camera without a single edit. You have good and really interesting info to share, so just don't worry about fancy, time consuming editing. Also, I'd be very interested in learning about your start and how you learned your computer skills. Peace.

[@ChrisHaefner]

Very informative. Thanks sam!

[@DoingFedTime]

You're welcome, @ChrisHaefner! Always great to see you in the comments! Hope all has been well.

[@LycanDarkoRabbithole]

Good shit Sam! Keep up the good work. Would love to be on for an interview sometime man.

[@vitaminprotein4786]

Love you dude. I just recently came across your channel and I'm already loving the darknet discussion series and much more. You earned a sub from me. Keep it up bro.

[@DoingFedTime]

Great to hear it thank you for taking the time to comment, and I'm glad that you enjoy the podcast. Roach is stepping up his game and getting a better mic which definitely should increase the value of the show as a whole.

[@vitaminprotein4786]

@@DoingFedTime ❤️🙌

[@buckweat420]

Can we please talk more about the REAL hackers on the Darknet? The people who are poking holes in these sites, using social engineering on the admins, the mental games they play, and seemly are able to get away and you don't hear much about their capture. The fact they were able to break these sites (even ones with competent admins) with a DDOS due to a flaw in the tor network proves these folks are true black hats in the world. They did it for ill gains and extortion, but really they helped the tor protocol come up with ideas for ways to make it even better.

[@InMoneroWeTrust]

What flaw on the tor network r u talking about?

[@desify6393]

They operate in the dark, would be cool though cuz he is in contact with Hugbunter and I'm sure Hug knows a lot

[@Jango1989]

Darknet hackers are not interesting. They're all carders (not hackers), ransomeware wanabies (crap hackers at best) or awful script kiddies. You'll find much more interesting hacks on the clear web.

[@desify6393]

@@Jango1989 This is not true lmao

[@JoeKyser]

its never a flaw in the network, its always user error. Even the best of the best get lazy. Its laziness. Thats what it can be chalked up to. The amount of effort it takes to remain anonymous is untethered.

[@kellymelrose8527]

very interesting ..thank you

[@DoingFedTime]

You are welcome!

[@stefha6014]

good luck, to the operators at their trial.....

[@bac0nknight691]

Good stuff. Also, Phone too hot!

[@user-bn6iv3iz8j]

Bitter sweet fo sho ##DFT4L good job 👍 another 1

[@DoingFedTime]

Thanks, @user-bn6iv3iz8j!

[@eyezikandexploits]

Im gonna pray archetyp stays good

[@bobDotJS]

Is that the one that only uses Monero?

[@DoingFedTime]

Yes

[@eyezikandexploits]

@@bobDotJS id ve surprised if any of them didnt only use XMR

[@kuukeli]

thanks for this video

[@DoingFedTime]

Your welcome, thank you for taking the time to comment!

[@Direct3d11]

Cool vid

[@RootAmnesia]

Gotta put your car on “Dog Mode” while recording to prevent overheat 😂

[@peterRobinson10101]

DFT cam is too hot! He be launchin his own OF account! (thats OF for Only Felons). Im simping.

[@IlIlIIlIlIlIlIlIl]

Good video

[@DoingFedTime]

Thank you!

[@Jeffery_Saulter]

It wast an exit scam. Yes people lost money but they didn’t keep the site running under the pretence of normal operations. Sometimes you don’t have the luxury of giving people notice in this industry, it’s good opsec practice to not tell people that you are ceasing operations sometimes.

[@CandyBag]

They still could've paid people out, stealing 30 million is not an opsec issue lol

[@Jeffery_Saulter]

@@CandyBag no but announcing your departure could well be an OPSEC issue. They may not have had a choice.

[@Nitidus]

If they seized operation and just walked away with all the funds held in escrow, then it's per definition an exit scam. No way to talk yourself out of that.

[@CandyBag]

@@Jeffery_Saulter haha I get what you're saying, I just have an easy time IMAGINING what it would have felt like to lose money

[@btc_rat]

#Monero climbing ❤

[@kythrathesuntamer9715]

No one feels sorry for him like they did for Ross. No one.

[@user-jl3yv6jl6s]

Have you got more info on how they got caught?

[@DoingFedTime]

No, indictments and criminal complains don't outline that. We will have to wait and see what else comes out. If I had to guess, I would say the crypto.

[@Orphan-Source]

where did you get the case files

[@DoingFedTime]

It was with the DOJ announcement.

[@Topkidslayy]

Said like a true chad

[@StanexCryptoTradingBoss]

I 100% bought a sample pack for notes from these guys 😂 shit was bad

[@KillianTwew]

What fishbowl are you driving in rn?

[@itsme7570]

Lmao yo for real 😂 looks like a garden gnome in a fish bowl

[@DoingFedTime]

sssshhhh it's a time machine.

[@DoingFedTime]

Tesla M3, 2023.

[@ProfessionalBrokeMemer]

wtf is goin on?🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@DoingFedTime]

You already know! :)

[@RMoney-hs2xp]

We don’t care if you make a video while on the shittter!! We need your insight master fed time!!

[@fivesfe]

the cutaways you edit into these are so gay.

[@DoingFedTime]

Thank you for taking the time to comment, how can I improve them?

[@itsme7570]

Am i being Shadowbanned on KZbin? Can anyone see this? Just reply back anything so i know

[@CandyBag]

Yeah I can't see it you're banned buddy

[@Nitidus]

@@CandyBag Hahaha

[@Skunkhunt_42]

Can't see you itsme7570, try all caps and see if that helps

[@matthewsoules7064]

Huh? I thought I saw something...

[@Ang_Way]

what did u say?

[@denniss8644]

this is poor content

[@Nitidus]

Sucks you're being forced to watch it then

[@denniss8644]

@@Nitidus Sit down, son.

[@Skunkhunt_42]

​@denniss8644 what's missing here? I'm genuinely interested to learn

[@The0men710]

i think he is P dope, but yeah would be lovely seeing him rip a few bowls and not begin so ordinary/ normy lol lol i wished the darknet was scary again lol and also BTC lol i feel more safe in i2p and Tor then i do in clearnet lol but i agree, its almot liek watching my uncle bob talk about darknet shit drunik at an australia day BBQ lol where i cant hate, he speaks well and puts it together thje way i couldn't lololol and i wil give hi mOG status, for talkign liek that as a MOd or what ever he was lol with me its coin or head in fedex box the end lol

[@DoingFedTime]

1. Thank you for taking the time to comment. 2. Could you elaborate and tell me about about why you think so? 3. Do you have any suggestions on making it better?

[@dvsur]

@DarknetBros