According to authorities, a 26-year-old computer programmer was taken into police custody in San Francisco on Nov. 5 on suspicion of resurrecting a website known for selling illegal drugs. The site was initially shut down in October 2013 and was allegedly resurrected by the 26-year-old man in December 2013.
Operating on the Tor network, the website sold false identities and computer hacking services in addition to illegal drugs, according to officials. This network allows individuals to create hidden websites that make tracking users extremely difficult. Many of these websites purportedly use Bitcoin, which allows users to pay for items anonymously.
The criminal complaint filed against the 26-year-old man alleges that he became the administrator of the website on Dec. 28, 2013. As the head administrator, the 26-year-old man allegedly bore the responsibility of maintaining the website’s hardware and managing an unknown number of other online administrators. According to authorities, an undercover investigator from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security managed to become a user on the site, which eventually led to the filing of the criminal complaint.
When the 26-year-old man made his initial court appearance in California, he reportedly waived his right to contest the case being transferred to the state of New York. Authorities reported that the defendant’s plan was to seek bail after being transferred to New York. However, it was not immediately clear when the transfer to New York will take place.
Individuals accused of facilitating drug sales may face grave consequences if convicted. A criminal defense team may prove to be indispensable in this way. Criminal defense lawyers may provide the counsel, representation and resources necessary to contest the charges and avoid the consequences that can accompany a conviction. In the event that the state’s case appears unassailable, a defense team may possibly negotiate a plea deal with prosecutors.
Source: ABC 7, “Silk Road defendant waives detention hearing, agrees to be transferred to NY “, November 06, 2014