Russian individuals using cryptocurrency are reportedly utilizing the dark web to hire arsonists and criminals to carry out attacks on their behalf, according to a report.
An investigation by Izvestia provided evidence of numerous fires and assaults executed by criminals, including murderers, via dark web sites, the Telegram app, and crypto wallets.
Izvestia noted that the requirements for potential arsonists are minimal, with participants needing to provide a photo to show their physical fitness. This allows clients to verify the criminal’s capability to carry out the task. Typically, these mercenaries receive payments in cryptocurrency after presenting photo or video proof of the arson.
Quoting police sources and its own research, the newspaper claimed that anonymous dark web forum users advertise popular arson services for various properties like cars, apartments, cafes, and shops.
In many instances, police report that they manage to quickly apprehend the perpetrators, but finding those who financed these crimes is significantly more challenging.
One alleged arsonist was detained in Kaliningrad for a series of fire-related attacks after serving a 10-year prison sentence for murder.
It appears that not only older criminals but also teenagers are receiving cryptocurrency payments to start fires. The media outlet explained that in fall 2024, a series of similar crimes occurred in the Moscow region, characterized by teenagers setting cars or building entrances on fire and spray-painting a treble clef nearby.
Izvestia said it contacted this group’s alleged organizer, known on the darknet as Pianist, who confirmed receiving requests for arson and expressed indifference about who was paying him. Pianist also mentioned that the motives of the customers and the risk of retaliation from targets were of little interest to him.
Pianist claimed he rejects requests from the Ukrainian special services, stating, “I am a Russian patriot. So my work is not political in nature.”
The media outlet also shared a list of prices for arson-related services, noting that simple arson costs around $1,500, with those setting the fires being paid approximately $750 in cryptocurrency.
The Prosecutor General’s Office in Russia has recognized the quick spread of crypto-related crime. Earlier this month, it conducted a coordination meeting on combating crime using the internet, cryptocurrency, and IT resources.
In 2023, authorities seized 19,800 digital communication tools and 12,600 SIM cards, all used for various crimes, including theft, drug sales, and serious offenses against children.
Additionally, a Moscow Oblast court sentenced former Investigative Committee Major Marat Tambiev to 16 years in prison for accepting a BTC 1,032 bribe from the Infraud hacking and credit card fraud group.
Twitter excerpt: “Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic says he won’t attend an annual BRICS summit as the country tries to balance its ties with Russia with efforts to join the EU and improve relations with the US. — Bloomberg (@business) October 21, 2024”
