It features over 40,000 listings including narcotics, counterfeit items, hacking tools, and stolen data. The marketplace is well-known for its bug bounty programs and robust security mechanisms, including mandatory 2FA. Monero and Bitcoin are two of the most commonly used digital currencies on the dark web markets. Due to being the most popular and the oldest coin, Bitcoin is traceable. However, Monero, on the other hand, is untraceable and the most trusted payment method on these markets. Therefore, most cybersecurity experts recommend using Monero while shopping on darknet markets.
Power Your Insights With Data You Can Trust
BidenCash and other exit-scam markets such as Torzon and Kingdom Market collapsed between 2022 and 2024. They used “free data dumps” and emotional marketing to build trust before vanishing—an enduring lesson in the risks of social engineering. BriansClub remains a long-standing credit card data shop since at least 2014. Despite a 2019 breach that exposed over 26 million credit cards, it continues to operate, indicating sustained trust in its data pipelines.
Range Of Available Products
While few online transactions are truly anonymous, purchasing weapons over the Internet allows traffickers to minimize their procurement footprint. Placing numerous small orders online is much easier than driving to multiple brick-and-mortar stores. The research was based on similar methodologies to those previously used to analyze the dark web drug trade, which take scraped data from marketplaces typically accessed through the Tor network. However, guns are sold via the dark web, as well as child porn, stolen social security and credit card data, and other identity theft data. Another study from the RAND Corporation analyzed the size and scope of the firearms trade on cryptomarkets.
The ability to seamlessly communicate with vendors via secure messaging systems also greatly improves overall user experience. Experienced users typically prefer marketplaces with robust vendor rating systems, detailed feedback options, and transparent dispute resolution processes. Platforms known for consistently resolving issues and eliminating fraudulent vendors quickly gain credibility and user loyalty.
US Gun Production Has Tripled Since 2000
- Despite a 2019 breach that exposed over 26 million credit cards, it continues to operate, indicating sustained trust in its data pipelines.
- In 2013, the FBI shut down the Silk Road, but it was later relaunched in 2014 with the new name of Silk Road 2.0, but the German authorities shut it down in the same year.
- At KELA, we help you identify and mitigate risks by providing actionable intelligence from the darknet.
- The market frequently makes headlines for releasing massive troves of stolen data, often as a way to advertise its services.
- It has gained a reputation for being a reliable source of high-quality data for cybercriminals.
In 2023, the dark web attracted an average of 2.7 million daily users, with Germany now leading as the country with the highest number of Tor users, surpassing the United States for the first time in years. Founded in 2020, Cypher Market has carved out a niche on the dark web by focusing on cybercrime products. Mega Market, established in 2016, experienced a surge in popularity following the takedown of the Hydra market. Its user base is primarily English-speaking, and it appeals to more sophisticated cybercriminals.
Torrez Market
Freshtools is a unique marketplace in that it does not only provide the stolen data, but it allows criminals to purchase MaaS which can cause further damage to the victims. It is one of the most active and up to date markets and always provides new and updated malware and data. In 2025, darknet marketplaces primarily accept Monero (XMR) and Bitcoin (BTC). Privacy-focused operators are shifting to Monero due to its default anonymity, compared to Bitcoin’s transparent ledger Darknet markets see BTC inflow drop to $2B. GAO agents attempted to purchase firearms from Dark Web and Surface Web marketplaces. In these attempts, agents did not disclose any information about whether they were prohibited from possessing a firearm.
It found that the darknet is indeed increasing the availability of firearms for similar prices as those available on the regular black market out on the streets. It also found that the United States is the most common source country for arms sales on the darknet, accounting for just under 60 percent of listings analyzed in 2017. ASAP is a tech nerd’s playground—accepting BTC, LTC, ZCash, and Monero, it’s got options for days.
- Asaan had left his lap top on and police were able to access it and discovered he had searched on the Dark Web for firearms and conversations he had had with a number of sellers.
- It’s not the biggest player like Abacus, but it’s got a loyal crew and uptime that rarely blinks.
- Torzon is one of the most notable dark web stores for a number of reasons.
- You can pay through Monera and Bitcoin using the escrow system or the traditional market account after making a purchase on this shop.
- Vice City listens to the problems faced by its customers and vendors and solves them so that they can keep using the platform with ease.
How KELA Cyber Supports You In Darknet Monitoring And Risk Mitigation
Abacus Market has emerged as one of the most reputable and widely used dark-web marketplaces in 2025. Founded in early 2023, shortly after major law enforcement operations shut down several competing platforms, Abacus quickly filled the void by prioritizing reliability, advanced security, and user anonymity. Users must look for platforms employing robust encryption protocols, secure escrow services, and advanced anti-phishing measures.
Future Trends And Predictions For Dark-Web Marketplaces Beyond 2025
Later, in 2013, Silk Road caught the attention of law enforcement and policymakers like US Senator Charles Schumer, who publicly called for a federal crackdown. That push led to the arrest of Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road, after a long and intense investigation. If for any reason, you decide to visit these hidden corners of the web, ensure you at least study and understand the common traps. Getting familiar with the tactics scammers use will go a long way in helping you protect your online data and assets.
Can I Use A VPN To Access The Dark Web Gun Market?
Silk Road quickly grew into the largest darknet market, handling hundreds of millions in transactions. But in 2013, law enforcement traced Bitcoin activity, monitored DPR’s forum posts, and exploited server vulnerabilities to identify Ross Ulbricht. He was arrested in a San Francisco library while logged in as site admin.
Why Are All The Darknet Markets Down
Often portrayed as the internet’s shadowy underbelly, the Dark Web hosts marketplaces offering everything from privacy tools and digital currencies to more questionable, or outright illegal, products and services. It offers impressive features, including PGP-signed addresses, payment via Monera, sticky and featured listings, and auto shops. In 2017, the website went offline following a law enforcement action taken by the American, Canadian, and Thai authorities, but since August 2021, it’s been operational again.
Top Dark Web Marketplaces Of 2025: A Deeper Dive Into Illicit Trade Markets
The site’s slick—vendor stats update live, checkout’s a breeze, and the vibe’s modern without being over-the-top. I’ve used it a handful of times; deliveries landed smooth via DeadDrops—plain packaging, no fuss. It’s not the biggest player like Abacus, but it’s got a loyal crew and uptime that rarely blinks. If you’re into a darknet market that feels cutting-edge and keeps your coins safe, ASAP Darknet Market’s a gem—just don’t expect a massive catalog yet; it’s more about precision than sprawl. In conclusion, the dark web gun market is a dangerous and illegal marketplace that poses significant risks to both buyers and sellers. While law enforcement agencies are working to combat this issue, it is important for individuals to be aware of the risks and to avoid participating in illegal activities.
