A 35-year-old mechanical engineer from Muvattupuzha, Kerala, has been apprehended for allegedly selling narcotics via the dark web. Police reports identify the individual, Mulayamkottil Edison, as a “level-four darknet vendor.” He is accused of possessing LSD blotters—paper infused with the hallucinogenic substance lysergic acid diethylamide—ketamine, and cryptocurrency valued at approximately Rs 1 crore.
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Understanding the Dark Web and Its Criminal Associations
The dark web constitutes a concealed portion of the internet that is inaccessible through standard search engines, requiring specialized software or browsers for entry. Unlike open web browsers such as Firefox or Google, where user activity can be traced through IP addresses, the dark web ensures anonymity, thus appealing to those seeking privacy or evading detection. The concept of this encrypted and hidden section of the internet originated in the 1990s. The US Naval Research Laboratory developed early versions of The Onion Routing project, later known as Tor, to safeguard sensitive governmental communications. Initiated in the early 2000s by Roger Dingledine and his team, Tor was designed to bolster user privacy by rerouting traffic through volunteer-run servers and encrypting data, making user identities difficult to trace. Over time, the dark web has gained notoriety for facilitating illegal activities, such as the trade of illicit goods and cybercrime. This presents law enforcement with the ongoing task of balancing privacy concerns with crime prevention, highlighting the complex relationship between technology, privacy, and the digital landscape.
Accessing the Dark Web
To enter the dark web, users must download the Tor browser, which prioritizes user privacy and anonymity. Tor encrypts data through a series of random nodes worldwide, effectively concealing user activity. Dark web sites typically feature “.onion” domains that remain unindexed by conventional search engines. Tor does not conduct searches on behalf of users; instead, individuals must actively seek out specific dark web pages. This hidden realm hosts marketplaces, forums, and libraries, but also illegal markets dealing in drugs, weapons, stolen data, and hacking services.
The Dual Nature of the Dark Web
Despite its reputation for illegal dealings, the dark web also serves legitimate functions. It provides a secure communication channel for whistleblowers, journalists, and activists under authoritarian regimes. Platforms like SecureDrop facilitate anonymous information leaks, safeguarding sources from potential repercussions. In countries with stringent internet censorship, the dark web acts as a conduit for accessing uncensored information. Moreover, institutions like hospitals utilize it to secure sensitive data. However, the anonymity afforded by the dark web also fosters cybercrime. Defunct black markets such as Silk Road have operated here, dealing in narcotics, counterfeit currency, and malware. Advertisements for stolen financial data, hacking tools, and even contract killers have appeared on these platforms. Although global law enforcement agencies monitor dark web activities, the continuous evolution of encryption techniques poses a significant challenge in tracking criminal actors.
Defining a ‘Level-Four Vendor’
According to NCB sources, as cited by The Indian Express, vendor classification on the dark web is based on the potency of drugs sold and the quality of “customer service” provided. Mulayamkottil Edison was reportedly the sole level-four vendor identified in India.
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