Georgia Doctor Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Enlist Hitman to Kill His Girlfriend on Dark Web.

2023/10/19 13:25

Georgia-based physician, Dr. James Wan, recently entered a guilty plea for masterminding a murder-for-hire plot utilising Bitcoin on the dark web.

Wan's plan involved hiring a hitman to orchestrate a carjacking accident, intending to fatally harm his girlfriend. Despite multiple attempts and $16,000 in Bitcoin transactions, the FBI successfully intervened, preventing the execution of the sinister plot.

How it started

Dr. Wan's foray into the dark web began in April 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The planning involved gathering information about his girlfriend, including details from her social media accounts and specifics about her vehicle. To finalise the deal, Wan committed to multiple Bitcoin payments amounting to approximately $24,200.

The critical juncture where Wan's plan unravelled occurred during the initial transaction.

Attempting to make a 50% down payment of around $8,000 in Bitcoin, the funds reached an incorrect address, causing the transaction to fail. Unfazed, Wan proceeded to transfer an additional $8,000 a week later to ensure the continuity of his plan. His impatience surfaced as he questioned the marketplace forum about the progress and timeline of his request.

Despite Wan's efforts to maintain a flawless plan, his activities did not go unnoticed.

Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, commended her team for their vigilance in thwarting the murder-for-hire scheme.

As Wan awaits sentencing in January 2024, the legal consequences for his attempted crime will be determined.

Surge in Criminal Attraction Revealed by Recent Cases

The case of Dr. Wan isn't an isolated incident involving Bitcoin and criminal activities. Federal authorities cite a previous case where a Utah man used $16,000 in Bitcoin to hire a hitman for a double murder. Additionally, a Nevada woman received a 5-year prison sentence for a similar plot involving her ex-husband.

The pseudonymous nature of Bitcoin seems to attract individuals seeking anonymity, believing it shields them from detection and prosecution.

While Dr. Wan's case exposes the darker aspects of the web and cryptocurrency, it serves as a stark reminder.

The perceived anonymity in the digital realm is not foolproof. Law enforcement agencies are adapting and enhancing their methods to trace and apprehend those engaged in illicit operations using Bitcoin.

This sends a clear message to those who believe they can escape justice by relying on cryptocurrency transactions — they are in for a harsh reality check.

The promise of anonymity through digital transactions, particularly in Bitcoin, is increasingly proving to be a false sanctuary as authorities refine their capabilities in combating cybercrime.

More news about 여친 음모

Jan 14, 2024 3:38 am
Father-Son Duo Sentenced in Dark Web Drug Trafficking and Bitcoin Laundering Scheme
According to CryptoPotato, a father-son duo from Maryland have been sentenced for their involvement in a dark web drug trafficking and Bitcoin money laundering scheme. Joseph Farace, 72, was sentenced to 19 months in federal prison on January 8 for aiding his son, Ryan Farace, 38, in laundering Bitcoin proceeds from illicit drug sales. Ryan Farace, a previously convicted felon, was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release. The charges stemmed from his prior conviction in November 2018 for a scheme involving the manufacture and distribution of alprazolam tablets, commonly known as "Xanax," through darknet marketplaces in exchange for Bitcoin. Court documents revealed that Ryan Farace, known by the alias "XANAXMAN," received over 9,138 Bitcoin from darknet marketplaces associated with his previous conviction. In an attempt to recover drug proceeds, Ryan Farace cooperated with authorities before his sentencing for the 2018 crimes. However, post-sentencing, law enforcement managed to reclaim additional drug proceeds in the form of Bitcoin. Despite claiming the inability to access any undisclosed Bitcoin related to his 2018 conviction, Ryan Farace, while incarcerated from October 2019 to April 2021, conspired with his father, Joseph Farace, and others to launder additional proceeds through various financial transactions. In August 2020, Ryan Farace instructed Joseph Farace to transfer over 2,874 Bitcoin to a third party for international banking purposes, providing the wallet address via a coded message in a prison library book. In September 2020, Joseph Farace completed the transfer of the specified Bitcoin to the third party, all of which were proceeds from Ryan Farace's 2018 drug crimes. Subsequently, federal agents seized the entire amount on February 10, 2021, with a market value ranging from $65 million to $150 million at the time of seizure. An additional 58.7 Bitcoin, also linked to Ryan Farace's drug trafficking, was seized on May 11, 2021. Ryan and Joseph Farace must forfeit all the Bitcoin seized during the investigation.
Dec 06, 2023 9:15 pm
European Commission’s sinister plot threatens to shut down Bitcoin miners
The European Commission (EC) is facing criticism from the cryptocurrency community as it unveils its proposed methodology to assess and mitigate the environmental impact of Bitcoin mining. Critics, including Daniel Batten, co-founder of CH4 Capital, argue that the EC’s approach is flawed and could potentially lead to an EU-wide mining ban with global repercussions. Batten ... source: https://www.cryptopolitan.com/ec-threatens-to-shut-down-bitcoin-miners/
Dec 04, 2023 9:41 pm
SlowMist Chief Information Security Officer: Cryptocurrency phishing gang AngelDrainer was banned by the management team from the darknet forum
According to a post by SlowMist Chief Information Security Officer 23pds on the
Nov 21, 2023 12:51 pm
Apple Faces Class-Action Lawsuit Over Alleged Conspiracy to Limit Crypto Payment Options
According to Cointelegraph, a class-action lawsuit has been filed against Apple by disgruntled consumers, accusing the tech giant of conspiring to limit peer-to-peer payment options on its devices and block crypto technology from iOS payment apps. The complaint, filed on November 17 in a California District Court, alleges that Apple entered into anti-competitive agreements with PayPal's Venmo and Block's Cash App to restrict the use of decentralized cryptocurrency technology in payment apps, causing users to pay rapidly inflating prices. The plaintiffs claim that Apple uses technological and contractual restraints, including hardware-enforced App Store exclusivity and contractual limitations on web browser technology, to exercise unfettered control over every app installed and run on iPhones and iPads. With these restraints, Apple can force new-to-market iOS P2P payment apps to bar crypto as a condition for entry, according to the suit. The plaintiffs describe themselves as customers who have paid inflated fees due to Apple's restraints of trade across the iOS P2P payment market. They seek to recover excessive fees and overcharging due to Apple's alleged anti-competitive conduct and injunctive relief barring the firm from continuing to enter into and enforce anti-competitive agreements restraining iOS P2P Payment Market competitors and would-be entrants. The 58-page class action details the history and rise of peer-to-peer payment apps, decentralized cryptocurrencies, and Apple's entry into this market. In April, the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that Apple violated California's competition laws by not allowing apps to direct users to non-Apple linked payment solutions.
Oct 19, 2023 4:03 pm
Trial Unfolds for Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried on Charges of Conspiracy and Fraud
According to Cointelegraph: Sam Bankman-Fried, former CEO of FTX, is presently embroiled in a court trial in New York, following accusations of seven counts of conspiracy and fraud. The case involves alleged misconduct in relation to the downfall of cryptocurrency exchange FTX, which Bankman-Fried co-founded.On October 18, District Judge Lewis Kaplan expressed his frustration with the lawyers representing both sides during the trial. Kaplan's discontent came after a witness, Cory Gaddis, a policy specialist at Google, flew for a testimony lasting only fifteen minutes.The case also sees key witnesses providing contrasting views. Accounting Professor Peter Easton gave an analysis relating to alleged merging of funds between FTX and Alameda Research since 2021. He revealed that Alameda had invested in several ventures partially using funds from FTX customers.The trial has delved into the dynamics between FTX and Alameda Research, the trading firm also founded by Bankman-Fried. Evidence, including former FTX CTO Gary Wang's testimony, suggests that Alameda was given privileges such as an exemption from FTX’s liquidation engine, a feature that closes positions at risk of liquidation.Caroline Ellison, former CEO of Alameda Research, confirmed in her testimony that FTX loans were legally used by Alameda for different purposes, such as covering company's operating expenses and trading activities. She also accused Bankman-Fried of misleading Alameda's lenders by understating the firm's liabilities.Bankman-Fried was arrested on arrival in the United States from the Bahamas on December 21, 2022. He had originally contested his extradition from the Caribbean nation but reversed his decision after a week in Bahamian custody. Bankman-Fried's initial house arrest and subsequent detention came as a result of the judge's conclusion that his sharing of former Alameda Research CEO Caroline Ellison's personal documents constituted witness intimidation.More witness testimonies are anticipated during the continuing trial.
Oct 10, 2023 11:07 pm
SBF’s ex-girlfriend arrived in court to prepare to testify on the SBF case, FTX Lianchuang Gary Wang completed the cross-examination of SBF lawyers
Odaily Planet Daily News Caroline Ellison, former CEO of Alameda Research and ex-girlfriend of SBF, arrived in court before testifying in the SBF trial. This was her first public appearance since the bankruptcy of Alameda and FTX a year ago. When Ellison arrived, FTX co-founder Gary Wang was being cross-examined by SBF lawyers. Ellison is scheduled to testify after Gary Wang. Prosecutors said Ellison was one of the few people in SBF’s inner circle who knew the truth behind its alleged transfer of billions of dollars in FTX client funds to Alameda. After FTX collapsed, she pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors. When questioned on the witness stand by SBF lawyers on Tuesday, Gary Wang said it was not until June 2022 that he was relieved that Alameda Research's assets exceeded its liabilities and it could repay lenders. Gary Wang has given evidence for the third consecutive day in the SBF trial. (Bloomberg) Earlier today, it was reported that SBF’s lawyers asked the judge to investigate the $200-300 million Alameda loan in which FTX Lianchuang Gary Wang participated.
Sep 22, 2023 5:30 pm
India is developing dark web monitoring tools to combat crypto-related illegal activities
Odaily Planet Daily News India’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is developing an encrypted intelligence tool to deal with the increase in cryptocurrency-related illegal activities in the country. The MHA aims to combat crypto-related crime through the Cryptocurrency Intelligence and Analysis Tool (CIAT). Using CIAT, MHA will monitor crypto wallet addresses on the dark web, which will help compile transaction records including timestamps, dates, exchanges and services used. When abnormal encryption activity is detected, CIAT will notify the MHA. (Cointelegraph)
Mar 22, 2023 3:53 pm
DOJ to Charge OneCoin Head of Legal and Compliance Irina Dilkinska with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Money Laundering
The U.S. Department of Justice announced that it will charge OneCoin’s head of legal and compliance Irina Dilkinska with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. According to the document, Dilkinska helped OneCoin implement a fraudulent scheme that resulted in millions of victims and billions of dollars in losses, and that she helped create and manage shell companies that laundered approximately $400 million for OneCoin.
Mar 08, 2023 4:44 pm
Bitget Becomes Official Sponsor of Juventus Women's Football Team
Cryptocurrency trading platform Bitget has announced on International Women's Day that it has become an official sponsor of the Juventus women's football team. The Juventus women's football team is one of the most successful football teams in Italy, having won five league titles, two Italian Cups and three Italian Super Cups. Gracy Chen, managing director of Bitget, said, "By sponsoring the Juventus women's football team, we can introduce the crypto world to a wider female audience and inspire women to seize opportunities to develop."
Dec 13, 2022 11:15 pm
US District Court for the Southern District of New York Charges SBF with Wire Fraud, Multiple Counts of Conspiracy, and Campaign Finance Violations
The indictment against FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York charges SBF with wire fraud, multiple counts of conspiracy, securities fraud and money laundering, in addition to campaign finance violations.