Publication Details

Busting up Monopoly: Methods for Modern Darknet Marketplace Forensics

DOLEJŠKA, D.; KOUTENSKÝ, M.; VESELÝ, V.; PLUSKAL, J. Busting up Monopoly: Methods for Modern Darknet Marketplace Forensics. Forensic Science International: Digital Investigation, 2023, vol. 46, no. 1, p. 1-11. ISSN: 2666-2817.
Czech title
Rozbití monopolu: metody moderní forenzní analýzy darknetových tržišť
Type
journal article
Language
English
Authors
Dolejška Daniel, Ing. (DIFS)
Koutenský Michal, Ing. (DIFS)
Veselý Vladimír, Ing., Ph.D. (DIFS)
Pluskal Jan, Ing., Ph.D. (DIFS)
URL
Keywords

dark market, illegal trade, market analytics, web scraping, crypto,
cryptocurrency, dark marketplace, cryptomarket, Tor, overlay networks

Abstract

Darknet marketplaces represent the most delinquent evolution step in distributing
illicit goods such as drugs, steroids, firearms, warez, or leaked personal
information. On the one hand, law enforcement agencies try to catch vendors,
buyers, and operators of darknet marketplaces. On the other hand, the criminals
mentioned above constantly stretch the limits of overlay networks, applied
cryptography, and cryptocurrency pseudonymity. This paper intends to provide
relevant and up-to-date (for the year 2022) information about potential ways to
deal with darknet marketplaces from the perspective of investigators. This paper
outlines methods (based on periodic web scraping) that may help sworn officers to
gather evidence about darknet marketplace users. The potential is demonstrated in
a real-life case study of the Monopoly Market. For instance, suggested approaches
seem capable: monitoring the demography and activities of darknet marketplace
users, estimating the number of procurements and their value, and correlating
user identities with their cryptocurrency addresses. The paper also provides an
applicability analysis of proposed methods on the subset of currently trending
darknet marketplaces.

Published
2023
Pages
1–11
Journal
Forensic Science International: Digital Investigation, vol. 46, no. 1, ISSN 2666-2817
DOI
10.1016/j.fsidi.2023.301604
EID Scopus
2-s2.0-85175304591
BibTeX 
@article{BUT185139,
  author="Daniel {Dolejška} and Michal {Koutenský} and Vladimír {Veselý} and Jan {Pluskal}",
  title="Busting up Monopoly: Methods for Modern Darknet Marketplace Forensics",
  journal="Forensic Science International: Digital Investigation",
  year="2023",
  volume="46",
  number="1",
  pages="1--11",
  doi="10.1016/j.fsidi.2023.301604",
  issn="2666-2817",
  url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fsidi.2023.301604"
}
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