Law enforcement agencies from six countries coordinated to shut down Archetyp. At the time, this dark web marketplace was the largest drug operation ever discovered. Europol and Eurojust supported an international operation that concluded several years of investigation into the platform. It was their platform that made possible the widespread and easy trade of illicit drugs to millions of users across the world. Archetyp, which launched in May 2020, almost immediately turned into a hub for illegal activities. It reached an impressive transaction volume of €250 million (A$446 million).
Rise and Fall of a Dark Web Giant
Archetyp first appeared on the scene in May 2020 and quickly garnered massive popularity among the dark web community. The platform’s intuitive design, combined with its industry-leading security features, quickly gained the trust of millions of buyers and sellers. Its expansion was powered by the insatiable demand for illegal drugs, and the cover provided by the dark web.
The marketplace’s success and notoriety largely stemmed from its robust encryption protocols and the market’s adoption of Monero, a privacy-focused cryptocurrency. These aspects of the currency severely hampered law enforcement’s ability to trace transactions and discover user identities. With more than 600,000 global users, Archetyp has grown to be one of the largest players in the online drug trade.
At the time Archetyp was shut down, it hosted around 17,000 drug listings, the majority of which were for illicit variants of MDMA, cocaine, and methamphetamine. The platform has the deepest inventory and is the largest global marketplace. This turns it into a one-stop shop for anyone wishing to purchase illegal drugs without revealing their identity. The invitations to the app’s dark web site had been distributed via the Tor Browser, a privacy-oriented browser that obscures the IP addresses of its users.
Security Measures and Anonymity
Archetyp used a number of high barrier security and privacy measures to shield its users and preserve its identity. One of the most notable features was the inclusion of “Pretty Good Privacy” (PGP). This sophisticated encryption protocol effectively protected communications between vendors and purchasers. This end-to-end encryption had the effect of making it nearly impossible for law enforcement to legally intercept and decode messages exchanged on the platform.
The marketplace only accepted Monero, a cryptocurrency with much stronger privacy protections. In contrast to Bitcoin, Monero hides transaction data, preventing even the most sophisticated analytic tools from being able to trace the movement of funds. This feature gave users an extra layer of anonymity, making it more difficult for law enforcement to intervene.
Buyers on Archetyp also used crypto and escrow services to buy illegal drugs without revealing their identity. By holding funds in escrow systems until a transaction was completed, indicating mutual satisfaction of buyers’ and sellers’ obligations, escrows protected all parties. This system reduced the potential for fraud and increased confidence across the marketplace.
International Collaboration and Takedown
Law enforcement authorities from six countries collaborated to shut down Archetyp. They continued to receive vital guidance and support from Europol and Eurojust during the operation. This level of international cooperation proved essential in taking down the elaborate infrastructure that powered the dark web marketplace. That operation was the result of years of detailed, intelligence-based investigation, and planning and coordination on a large scale.
The role that Europol and Eurojust played in this case allowed for the rapid exchange of information and coordination of investigative activities across borders. These agencies played a key role in supporting the investigation through digital forensics, data analysis, and legal guidance. Several states worked together to combat jurisdictional issues. This collaborative approach allowed law enforcement to home in on the criminal network operating Archetyp.
The successful takedown of Archetyp should send a clear deterrent message to other dark web marketplaces and cybercriminals alike, that law enforcement is on the case. Law enforcement agencies are cracking down on online drug trafficking. With the full weight of our Department of Justice’s resources and capabilities behind them, they can even start to effectively disrupt these illegal activities. This operation should be sending a powerful message. Dark web anonymity is not invincibility, and we will go after criminals with a vengeance.
