A medical doctor in Georgia, Dr. James Wan, has confessed to attempting to hire a hitman via the dark web, using Bitcoin as payment to eliminate his girlfriend. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia revealed that Dr. Wan sent a total of over $25,000 in Bitcoin to fulfil this sinister plan.
Dr. Wan initiated contact with the dark web marketplace on April 12, 2022, and placed an order for the murder of his girlfriend. He transferred an initial payment of $8,000 in BTC to an escrow wallet, providing detailed information about the victim, including her name, Facebook account, address, and car license plate, to facilitate the hitman's task. Unfortunately, the initial 50% payment went to the wrong Bitcoin address.
To rectify his error, Dr. Wan sent an additional $8,000 in Bitcoin to the correct address. About a week later, he made another Bitcoin payment of $8,000 to complete the payment for the job, specifying that he wanted the murder to appear as an accident.
As time passed, Dr. Wan's impatience became evident, as he inquired about the progress and timing of the job on a dark web forum. He even asked if there was anyone in his vicinity who could provide updates. His message read, "How soon should work be done? I have submitted an Order and curious how quickly it should be carried out? Is there a way I can find out any progress? If there is anyone in my location?"
On May 10, 2022, amid a drop in Bitcoin's value, Dr. Wan sent an additional payment of approximately $1,200 in Bitcoin to ensure the escrow account contained the full required amount for the murder.
Fortunately, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) intercepted the plot, saving the intended victim's life. Dr. Wan confessed to his dark web activities, including placing the order, making payments, and checking the order's progress daily on the dark web marketplace. Evidence from his cellphone and Bitcoin wallet corroborated his admission.
Dr. Wan subsequently cancelled the murderous order on the dark web marketplace. He is set to be sentenced on January 18, 2024, before U.S. District Court Judge Leigh Martin May.
Dr. James Wan's case serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with cryptocurrencies and the dark web. In an era where the internet provides anonymity and cryptocurrencies offer financial privacy, it's a chilling reminder of the darker side of these technologies. While cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have legitimate uses, they can also be exploited for criminal activities. The dedicated efforts of law enforcement agencies in thwarting such sinister schemes are commendable, yet this highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and regulation in the cryptocurrency space to prevent misuse. It underscores the necessity to strike a delicate balance between privacy and security in the ever-evolving digital age.
Luxury brands and businesses like Printemps, S.T. Dupont, and Virgin Voyages are now accepting Bitcoin as payment, driven by its record value of over $108,000. This shift highlights growing interest in cryptocurrency for high-end purchases despite challenges like consumer education and regulatory barriers.
WeatherlyMicrosoft shareholders overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to add Bitcoin to the company's balance sheet, with only 0.55% in support. The board expressed concerns about Bitcoin's volatility, despite acknowledging its potential as an inflation hedge.
WeatherlyEl Salvador and Argentina have signed an agreement to collaborate on cryptocurrency regulation and innovation in Latin America. The deal aims to share expertise, boost crypto growth, and strengthen the regulatory framework for digital assets in both countries.
AnaisFormer Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao Predicts China could beat the United States of America at building a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
XingChiBinance has not yet decided on its new global headquarters due to complexities like tax laws and talent acquisition challenges. Legal troubles, including Changpeng Zhao's legal issues and a $4.3 billion fine, have led Binance to restructure its leadership and adopt better governance strategies.
WeatherlyBilly Markus, the founder of Dogecoin, recently shared regret about selling 37.37 bitcoins in 2015 for $424,152.54 — a decision that would now be worth over $368 million. Despite stepping away from Dogecoin in 2015, Markus reflects on its impact as a cultural icon while highlighting its true value lies in its community and shared ideals, not just market performance.
WeatherlyBitcoin has reached a new all-time high, surpassing $100,000, while CZ remains unaffected by the surge, holding onto the same amount of Bitcoin. Binance Coin (BNB) also hit a record high, but CZ’s focus remains on Bitcoin’s long-term value rather than its fluctuating price.
WeatherlyMeitu sold its entire crypto portfolio, making nearly $80 million just before bitcoin’s surge above $100,000. The company plans to distribute 80% of the gains to shareholders and refocus on its AI-driven apps.
AnaisBitcoin surpassed $100,000 on 5 December, driven by growing optimism following Trump’s pro-crypto appointments, including Paul Atkins for SEC Chair. This milestone signals investor confidence in a crypto-friendly future under Trump’s upcoming administration, which takes office on 20 January 2025.
JoyBitcoin hit a new all-time high today, surpassing $103,000, driven by strong market sentiment, especially after Donald Trump’s election victory. The cryptocurrency has surged 126% since the start of 2024. Could 2025 be an even stronger year for Bitcoin?
KikyoDOJ arrests 'Incognito Market' mastermind, accused of $100M dark web drug trade. Lin faces hefty penalties, incl. life imprisonment.
Xu LinA hacker's sale of KodexGlobal access threatens major tech and crypto firms, risking user data privacy and intensifying calls for enhanced security measures.
WeiliangBanmeet Singh, an Indian national, pleads guilty in a historic dark web drug case, forfeiting $150 million in crypto. The global operation's reach, detailed in court documents, highlights the challenges in combating dark web enterprises, emphasizing the need for continued international collaboration in safeguarding public health and security.
JoyThe amount received by illicit cryptocurrency addresses dropped significantly in 2023, totaling $24.2 billion.
JinseFinanceExplore the gripping tale of a father-son duo's descent into the dark web, leading a notorious 'Xanaxman' Bitcoin laundering operation. Discover how law enforcement untangled this complex web of cybercrime.
WeiliangBitzlato founder, Anatoly Legkodymov, pleads guilty to running an unlicensed money transmitting business. In an agreement with the DOJ, he will dissolve Bitzlato and forfeit around $23 million in seized assets. The conviction is part of the authorities' broader efforts to combat cryptocrime, following the shutdown of Hydra Market in 2022. Despite initial surprise within the crypto community, Legkodymov's admission of guilt signifies a significant move in dismantling illicit crypto operations.
Huang BoGeorgia-based physician, Dr. James Wan, recently entered a guilty plea for masterminding a murder-for-hire plot utilising Bitcoin on the dark web.
JasperIn 2016, Felkins transferred 12 Bitcoin, valued at $5,000 at the time, to a website called Besa Mafia, operating on the Tor network, which claimed to offer murder-for-hire services.
Coinlive Cryptocurrencies have revolutionized the financial landscape, offering unprecedented benefits such as decentralized transactions and borderless payments.
FinboldThe seizure involving 50,676 saw the accused, James Zhong, plead guilty to unlawfully obtaining the cryptocurrency.
Finbold