Title: Taiwanese National Arrested for Operating $100 Million Dark Web Narcotics Marketplace

In a groundbreaking operation, Rui-Siang Lin, a 23-year-old Taiwanese national, was apprehended at John F. Kennedy Airport on May 18 in connection with his operation and ownership of the infamous "Incognito Market." The online dark web narcotics marketplace facilitated anonymous transactions for illegal narcotics worldwide. Lin, also known as Ruisiang Lin, 林睿庠, Pharoah, and faro, will be presented in Manhattan federal court later today.

The arrest of Lin, orchestrated by law enforcement authorities, aims to dismantle the shadowy networks established on the dark web to perpetuate the illicit drug trade. The operation, valued at a staggering $100 million, primarily dealt with the sale of dangerous substances, including hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamines.

Incognito Market, which operated from October 2020 until its closure in March, enabled users to purchase narcotics through the Tor web browser on the dark web. Lin, operating under the pseudonyms "Pharoah" and "faro," managed every aspect of the marketplace, including employees, vendors, and customers. His ultimate decision-making authority allowed him to amass significant profits from the multimillion-dollar operation.

Law enforcement officials expressed their determination to bring individuals like Lin to justice, emphasizing that the reach of the law extends even to the dark web. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated, "Drug traffickers who think they can operate outside the law on the dark web are wrong." He described Lin as the mastermind behind a $100 million scheme designed to traffic lethal drugs worldwide.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York highlighted the danger posed by Lin's operation, stating that he operated a sophisticated online narcotics marketplace that generated millions in personal profits at the expense of the community. Williams commended the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, asserting that they will relentlessly pursue criminal actors operating on both street corners and the dark corners of the internet.

The magnitude of Lin's operation was further underscored by Assistant Director in Charge James Smith of the FBI New York Field Office. Speaking on behalf of the FBI, Smith revealed that Incognito Market was one of the largest online platforms for narcotics sales, conducting an astonishing $100 million in illegal transactions. Lin's operation not only jeopardized public health and safety but also involved the sale of mislabeled drugs that contained deadly substances like fentanyl.

The arrest of Lin highlights the ongoing commitment of law enforcement agencies to identify and dismantle illicit drug networks, regardless of their location. Commissioner Edward A. Caban of the New York Police Department emphasized the unwavering dedication of investigators and praised the concerted efforts of state and federal partners in ensuring public safety.

If convicted, Lin could face severe penalties, including a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison for engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise. The charges against him also include narcotics conspiracy, money laundering, and conspiracy to sell adulterated and misbranded medication.

The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Food and Drug Administration's Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI), and the New York Police Department (NYPD) collaborated in the investigation of this case, exhibiting their strong resolve to combat criminal enterprises operating on the dark web.

The arrest of Lin serves as a stark reminder that law enforcement agencies remain steadfast in their commitment to dismantle illegal drug networks operating in all corners of the marketplace. This significant operation seeks to disrupt the dark web's illicit drug trade and protect public health and safety.

(Image source: Department of Justice