AlphaBay (Darknet Market 2014-2017)
eventThe Blackmail Network · Darknet & Cyber
The biggest illegal online marketplace in the world was taken down in a sting, and its founder died in a Thai jail days later.
Who they are
AlphaBay, the largest and most advanced darknet (hidden, illegal) online market, run from December 2014 to July 2017 by Alexandre Cazes.
What they do
It was an underground website for buying and selling illegal goods until police shut it down.
How it works
Law enforcement killed it in July 2017 in 'Operation Bayonet,' timed with a Dutch operation that secretly ran a rival market (Hansa) as a trap; Cazes was arrested and died in custody in Bangkok, ruled a suicide.
Why it matters
It is a landmark case of how authorities dismantle hidden online crime networks — and the founder's death in custody left lingering questions.
The engine's record — word for word
Operated December 2014 - July 2017. Largest and most sophisticated darknet market at time of takedown. Operated by Alexandre Cazes ("alpha02" / "Admin"). Taken down July 2017 in Operation Bayonet — coordinated with Dutch Hansa-honeypot operation. Cazes died in custody Bangkok July 2017 (ruled suicide).
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