US authorities have made an important breakthrough in their fight against illegal drug trade on the dark web. The alleged mastermind behind the notorious Incognito Market, which facilitated anonymous transactions of illegal drugs, has been apprehended. Rui-siang Lin, a 23-year-old individual from Taiwan, was arrested at John F. Kennedy Airport on May 18th. Lin, operating under the pseudonyms “Pharoah” or “Faro,” is accused of owning and running Incognito Market.

According to the US Department of Justice (DOJ), Incognito Market generated over $100 million in sales of illegal drugs and misbranded prescription medication from October 2020 until its shutdown in March 2024. The marketplace attracted users from around the world, who utilized cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and Monero (XMR) to facilitate their illicit transactions.

Assistant Director in Charge James Smith, from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), expressed the magnitude of Lin’s alleged operation, stating, “For nearly four years, Rui-Siang Lin allegedly operated ‘Incognito Market,’ one of the largest online platforms for narcotics sales, conducting $100 million in illicit narcotics transactions and reaping millions of dollars in personal profits. Under the promise of anonymity, Lin’s alleged operation offered the purchase of lethal drugs and fraudulent prescription medication on a global scale.”

The complaint filed by FBI Task Force Officer Mark Rubins further reveals Lin’s significant role within Incognito Market. He exercised complete control over the marketplace, making crucial decisions and overseeing more than 1,000 vendors and over 200,000 customers. Rubins stated, “As the principal administrator of Marketplace-1, LIN profits the most from Marketplace-1’s activities. LIN also implements policies for the site, and ultimately determines whether a particular vendor is permitted to sell narcotics on Marketplace-1.”

Lin now faces multiple charges, including engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, narcotics conspiracy, money laundering, and conspiracy to sell adulterated and misbranded medication.

This development marks a major victory for law enforcement agencies in their ongoing efforts to combat illegal activities on the dark web. It serves as a reminder that anonymity does not guarantee immunity, and those involved in such operations will be held accountable for their actions.