Later, in 2013, Silk Road caught the attention of law enforcement and policymakers like US Senator Charles Schumer, who publicly called for a federal crackdown. That push led to the arrest of Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road, after a long and intense investigation. If for any reason, you decide to visit these hidden corners of the web, ensure you at least study and understand the common traps. Getting familiar with the tactics scammers use will go a long way in helping you protect your online data and assets. Too-good-to-be-true investment offers are another classic scam on the dark web.
One illegal operation alone, spanning 132 packages from Asia, cost the taxpayer $541,240 in evaded duties. In April, a Christchurch bust uncovered 740kg of illicit tobacco, an unlicensed cigarette factory, and enough manufacturing gear to suggest industrial-scale domestic production. For the most breathtaking view of Auckland City illuminated by night, head to the summit of Mt Eden. This dormant volcanic cone offers an unparalleled panoramic perspective of the city’s twinkling lights against the backdrop of the starry sky. As you take in the sparkling skyline and harbour, you’ll understand why this spot is a favourite among both locals and visitors seeking an unforgettable nocturnal vista.
Dark Web Marketplaces

A significant minority of NZDTS respondents reported experiencing victimisation while purchasing drugs in the past six months, including receiving fake and unsafe drugs. After a steady period where there were, on average, 255 listings across 2020 and 379 across 2021, another period of growth happened in early 2022. This saw over a thousand products being listed on Tor Market by mid-2022 (see graph below). “We know New Zealanders have been purchasing drugs from these sites. Police are aware of the risks posed by these sites and are adapting strategies and tactics to address them … on a case by case basis.” To celebrate a special occasion or “just because”, treat yourself to some of the fine dining experiences in Auckland. A few venues worth mentioning include Harbourside in the city centre for its seafood specialities with a harbour view.
Why You Need A Dark Web Expert On Your Security Team
- In 2013, the FBI shut down the Silk Road, but it was later relaunched in 2014 with the new name of Silk Road 2.0, but the German authorities shut it down in the same year.
- If you ever decide to explore the dark web, protecting your identity is crucial.
- Some sellers offer cracked versions of expensive software that you’d typically pay hundreds of dollars for.
- Moreover, the integration of AI and ML in various industries, along with the growth of edge computing, necessitates robust and scalable network infrastructure.
- Its impressive anti-DDoS protection feature and easy-to-use interface make this marketplace stand out among the others.
Along with the Intelligence Program that provides quarterly reporting, this service includes continuous monitoring of the Dark Web. It covers threats such as new data breaches, databases for sale, confidential information leaks and new ransomware information. All positive alerts will be passed on and an initial assessment provided. In April, an Illicit Drug Monitoring System study showed that encrypted websites were becoming increasingly popular among Kiwis who were looking to buy and sell drugs. The dark web is an online black market that requires specific software, configurations or authorisation to access.
The Rise And Rise Of Tor Market, New Zealand’s Illegal Drug Marketplace
The months and years after Silk Road’s closure were marked by a greatly increased number of shorter-lived markets as well as semi-regular law enforcement takedowns, hacks, scams and voluntary closures. Legal aid services play an essential role in ensuring access to justice for all. For people in the Sutherland Shire who may not have the financial means to pay for private legal assistance, legal aid ensures that everyone has access to representa… One in four cigarettes in New Zealand is now illegal, with black market sales up 37% in 2023, according to industry research.
NZ Police Seize Record GBL Haul, Four Arrested In Wellington
You can use dark web monitoring tools, such as NordVPN’s Dark Web Monitor, to check if your data has been leaked. These tools scan dark web forums and marketplaces for any signs of your compromised credentials. There is no need to visit darknet marketplaces yourself to know whether your data was leaked.
New Zealand Chocolate Confectionery Market 2025

The first category includes classic marketplaces, which serve as one-stop shops for a wide range of illegal goods. These platforms sell everything from drugs and fake IDs to weapons and hacking tools, resembling a digital black-market bazaar. Despite growing crackdowns from law enforcement agencies, the dark web remains a hotbed of criminal activity, offering everything from drugs to stolen data.
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While this may all sound sophisticated, it is a financial crime and very risky. Those who use these services can still be traced and prosecuted if caught, especially as law enforcement continues to sharpen its tracking tools. Unfortunately, the dark web hosts not only explicit but also deeply illegal and disturbing content.

The security level is set to ‘Standard’ by default, but you can change it to the ‘safest’ and enjoy more security while accessing the dark web. It doesn’t use JavaScript, meaning the website won’t track your activities or exploit vulnerabilities. The website allows a personalized searching experience, where you can search according to your geographical location, country-specific, and keyword or price-specific search results. “The administrators of the Tor Market site claim (according to their own site’s help manual) to offer a number of design innovations and features to ensure the security of the Tor Market. In addition, site administrators have taken advantage of the opportunity to run “exit scams” and abscond with the cryptocurrency in their accounts.
There are a number of ways to access the dark web, including the use of Tor, Freenet and I2P. Of these, the most popular is Tor (originally called The Onion Router), partly because it is one of the easiest software packages to use. Tor downloads as a bundle of software that includes a version of Firefox configured specifically to use Tor.

Apart from the dark web markets that are operating online today, some raided platforms influenced many markets. Active for a decade since 2014, it is a widely used credit card shop used to source stolen credit card information such as dumps, CVVs, Wholesale Accounts. Security researchers have been monitoring forums within the cybercriminal underworld to investigate the leading markets operating in 2024. Some markets are invite-only or have strict registration rules to keep out scammers and law enforcement. There’s also a privacy angle—some users live in countries with censorship or surveillance, and the dark web gives them a space to communicate or access information more freely.
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Cross-border operations face additional complexities, as evidenced by the New Zealand Ultra-Fast Broadband Initiative’s restriction on foreign ownership exceeding 49.9% of fiber companies. The regulatory compliance costs for telecom operators increased by 12% year-over-year, representing a growing burden on the industry. These factors can significantly impede the speed of network rollout, particularly in environmentally sensitive or cross-border areas. The dark web marketplace links hold the potential for both risk and reward.