Georgia Doctor Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Enlist Hitman to Kill His Girlfriend on Dark Web.

Georgia-based physician, Dr. James Wan, recently entered a guilty plea for masterminding a murder-for-hire plot utilising Bitcoin on the dark web.

Wan's plan involved hiring a hitman to orchestrate a carjacking accident, intending to fatally harm his girlfriend. Despite multiple attempts and $16,000 in Bitcoin transactions, the FBI successfully intervened, preventing the execution of the sinister plot.

How it started

Dr. Wan's foray into the dark web began in April 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The planning involved gathering information about his girlfriend, including details from her social media accounts and specifics about her vehicle. To finalise the deal, Wan committed to multiple Bitcoin payments amounting to approximately $24,200.

The critical juncture where Wan's plan unravelled occurred during the initial transaction.

Attempting to make a 50% down payment of around $8,000 in Bitcoin, the funds reached an incorrect address, causing the transaction to fail. Unfazed, Wan proceeded to transfer an additional $8,000 a week later to ensure the continuity of his plan. His impatience surfaced as he questioned the marketplace forum about the progress and timeline of his request.

Despite Wan's efforts to maintain a flawless plan, his activities did not go unnoticed.

Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, commended her team for their vigilance in thwarting the murder-for-hire scheme.

As Wan awaits sentencing in January 2024, the legal consequences for his attempted crime will be determined.

Surge in Criminal Attraction Revealed by Recent Cases

The case of Dr. Wan isn't an isolated incident involving Bitcoin and criminal activities. Federal authorities cite a previous case where a Utah man used $16,000 in Bitcoin to hire a hitman for a double murder. Additionally, a Nevada woman received a 5-year prison sentence for a similar plot involving her ex-husband.

The pseudonymous nature of Bitcoin seems to attract individuals seeking anonymity, believing it shields them from detection and prosecution.

While Dr. Wan's case exposes the darker aspects of the web and cryptocurrency, it serves as a stark reminder.

The perceived anonymity in the digital realm is not foolproof. Law enforcement agencies are adapting and enhancing their methods to trace and apprehend those engaged in illicit operations using Bitcoin.

This sends a clear message to those who believe they can escape justice by relying on cryptocurrency transactions — they are in for a harsh reality check.

The promise of anonymity through digital transactions, particularly in Bitcoin, is increasingly proving to be a false sanctuary as authorities refine their capabilities in combating cybercrime.