In India, one of the largest darknet syndicates, known as Ketamelon, has been dismantled thanks to the joint efforts of local authorities and the cryptocurrency exchange Binance.
Operation to Dismantle the Darknet Syndicate
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) uncovered shipments of LSD being sent across various cities in India. This investigation led to the arrest of Edison Babu, the alleged mastermind behind the network. Over 600 consignments were sent in the last 14 months, facilitated by analyzing the operations of crypto wallets linked to Binance.
Binance's Role in the Operation
Binance’s Financial Intelligence Unit, led by Nils Andersen-Röed, worked closely with Indian investigators. "This cooperation proves that blockchain is transparent and traceable," Andersen-Röed stated. Through transaction monitoring, wallets were identified, and illicit funds were frozen.
Global Implications and Significance
This operation demonstrates not just a success in combating crime in India, but also serves as a global example of how crypto exchanges and governments can collaborate. It is part of a growing number of initiatives by nations adopting a public-private enforcement model in the fight against cybercrime.
The dismantling of the Ketamelon syndicate in India sends a strong message that darknet operators cannot rely on cryptocurrency anonymity. With exchanges cooperating with law enforcement, the odds are turning against cybercriminals.
