Security researchers have identified a large-scale network of scammers using automated bots and encrypted channels on messaging apps to conduct illicit activities. A group known as Huione Guarantee has emerged as a major player, acting as a trusted intermediary for fraudulent transactions. This model allows criminal operations to scale globally with what they perceive as a lower risk of interference from law enforcement compared to maintaining sites on the Tor network.
The volume of transactions handled by this network is substantial. According to a report from blockchain security firm SlowMist, the Huione Guarantee group alone processed transactions totaling more than 200 billion Chinese yuan, equivalent to approximately $27.6 billion, primarily in the USDT stablecoin. To provide context, this figure significantly surpasses the estimated lifetime transaction volume of the original Silk Road marketplace, which was shut down by the FBI.
The move from conventional darknet websites to messaging platforms is reportedly driven by a desire for enhanced security and decentralization. Encrypted messaging apps offer a more resilient and less centralized infrastructure, making it more difficult for authorities to disrupt operations by seizing a single server or domain. The use of automated bots enables these groups to manage a high volume of trades for stolen data, fraudulent services, and money laundering with increased efficiency.
The specific timeframe over which the $27.6 billion was processed by Huione Guarantee was not detailed in the reports. Furthermore, the complete range of illicit goods and services being traded through these channels remains unclear. Specific law enforcement actions being taken directly against these Telegram-based guarantee groups have not been publicly disclosed.
This evolving structure of darknet markets presents a significant challenge for global law enforcement. The decentralized and mobile-first nature of these operations complicates surveillance and takedown efforts. Future countermeasures will likely involve increased focus on tracing cryptocurrency transactions on public blockchains and developing new methods to infiltrate these private, encrypted criminal communities.
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