We also assisted the joint INTERPOL and AFRIPOL operation combating cybercrime across Africa. These and many other cases highlighted the coordination and collaboration between law enforcement and cybersecurity organizations. We expect to see the number of attacks through contractors leading to data breaches at major end targets to continue to grow in 2025.
This multi-currency move, started with USDT in 2023, drops trade costs, making ASAP a budget-friendly pick in the anonymous trade world. Seizures of illegal crypto exchanges and marketplaces have made headlines. Government agencies have shut down platforms used for laundering cryptocurrency obtained through ransomware and fraud.
Monero (XMR): Darknet’s Currency
The marketplace has a simple interface, lets users filter logs easily, and accepts Bitcoin, Monero, and Litecoin for payments. One of the things STYX is infamous for is having a rigorous verification process for users that makes it seem more exclusive. They even have a Telegram channel to provide their clients with live updates. Like most of the markets, STYX supports Bitcoin (BTC), Monero (XMR), and other crypto tokens to keep everyone’s identity hidden on this marketplace. In fact, everything is in English, and the site picks up users everywhere in the world. People visit this market to buy stolen credit cards, personal data, remote desktop account credentials, and logs gathered from information-stealing malware.
The more proactive you are, the better you can protect yourself against identity theft and other cyber threats. And, of course, think twice before sharing too much personal details online. That all is for general internet activities, you can guess how crucial having a VPN is when you hop onto something like the dark web. Then, you can set up 2FA (two-factor authentication) for that extra touch of security in case someone somehow figures out your password. If you ever have to connect to public Wi-Fi, make sure to use a VPN to keep your browsing safe and private. Sometimes, you might be hacked by using weak passwords or even just connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi on public networks.
Top Alternatives For Buyers And Vendors
The Reactor graph below shows this vendor’s connection with drug vendors on Abacus Market. As reported last year, some drug shops have been outsourcing services like website hosting and payment processing. IKlad.biz and Klad.cc, shown in the chart above, are examples of those infrastructure providers. While these outfits are not traditional DNMs, their success highlights how drug vendors are scaling their operations throughout Russian-speaking countries. In spite of Hydra Market’s disruption in 2022, former Hydra affiliates still found operating in today’s DNMs rely heavily on these infrastructure providers. The court also sentenced fifteen accomplices to anywhere from eight to 23 years in maximum-security penal colonies.
Continued Law Enforcement Efforts Key To Illicit
According to analysts, the market gradually recovered as the year progressed, with most Hydra sellers and buyers initially moving to the OMG! Retained some of those new users, many soon migrated to BlackSprut and Mega. Short for “The Onion Router,” Tor uses the decentralized onion routing network to allow users to browse the internet anonymously. Unlike VPNs, which also provide anonymity, it reroutes the users’ traffic through a network of nodes rather than just a single server. This way, Tor makes it much more difficult to trace the traffic back to the original user.
How Complex Are Dark Web Marketplaces Currently?
Darknet market lists help users navigate verified darknet sites, reducing scams. The darknet drug market continues to expand, with cryptomarkets offering competitive prices and quality control. Tor markets maintain high security, making them preferred for discreet transactions. Dark web marketplaces evolve, integrating user feedback to improve services. Alphabay Market storms the top tier at #5, a giant with $20 million monthly trades and a 20% market share—the largest in our rankings. Relaunched in 2021, it hosts 60,000+ listings—drugs (50%), digital goods (25%), fraud tools (15%), counterfeit currencies (5%)—serving 25,000+ users and 3,000+ vendors.
- The return or influx of cybercriminals to dark web forums is expected to intensify competition among these resources.
- Incognito Market runs 20,000+ listings and $2.8 million monthly trades with BTC and XMR, holding a 5% market stake.
- Below, we compare our top 10 across these dimensions, drawing from platform data, user feedback, and darknet analytics to highlight what sets each apart in the deep web markets of 2025.
- Some countries have just one or a few vendors with a loyal customer base and a wider selection of goods.
Top Darknet Marketplaces
This shift has not only reshaped how operations are run but also how law enforcement approaches surveillance and takedowns. Marketplaces now integrate AI-driven analytics to detect scams, automatically flagging suspicious listings. Onion links rotate frequently to evade disruptions, while multi-signature wallets protect funds until delivery is confirmed. The result is a streamlined experience where trusted vendors thrive, and buyers access high-quality products with minimal friction.
Abacus Enhances Encryption
Typically, clients of such services are offered a personal account through which they can control the attack, as well as technical support. It lowers the initial threshold of expertise required by would-be cybercriminals. Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) even govern some of these markets. Such models ensure that the market remains community-controlled and resilient to outside interference. Geopolitical tensions will likely fuel the rise of hacktivism and ransomware in the Middle East. Hacktivist attacks have already evolved from denial-of-service operations to data leaks and critical compromises, a trend expected to grow.
What Is The Most Popular Darknet Marketplace In 2025?
We’re talking about even early access to unreleased music, leaked TV episodes, concert footage, and even popular video games before they officially drop. This can include everything from full names, email logins, and passwords to credit card details, social security numbers, and bank account information. The cybercriminals trade even sensitive documents, such as medical records, passport information, and driver’s licenses. As we mentioned earlier, not everything sold on dark web markets is illegal.
The drug market shows consistent growth, with vendors prioritizing product quality and discreet shipping. Feedback loops between buyers and sellers drive improvements, creating a more streamlined shopping experience. In 2025, darknet markets continue to refine their platforms for secure and efficient transactions, with Nexus and Abacus leading as top choices.
Some illegal markets have started using traditional web domains as mirror sites to attract users— this provides better avenues for less tech-savvy attackers or new attackers to begin. This is why we have put together a new list of five dark web marketplaces that are worth watching right now. N 2025, dark web websites frequently change domains and are often short-lived.
Look for ratings below 90% or no escrow history—scams cost $500K+ in 2024 on Torrez alone. Check longevity (1+ year), response times (under 24 hours), and reviews (e.g., Alphabay’s 100,000+), avoiding new vendors with fewer than 50 trades. Trade only on markets with escrow—our top 10 average 94%+ success, reducing fraud by 25%.
Monero’s Reign
- This survey highlights active and recently shuttered markets with actionable metrics and intelligence for threat hunters, CISOs, and red team leaders.
- Listings aren’t public, but it’s steady—think drugs (weed, pills, some synthetics), a few digital extras like cracked accounts.
- Check vendor ratings—our top 10 average 4.5/5+—and reviews (e.g., Alphabay’s 100,000+).
- The marketplace has a simple interface, lets users filter logs easily, and accepts Bitcoin, Monero, and Litecoin for payments.
- At 10%, the US ranked 11th — the same as Australia, Hong Kong, Germany, and Japan.
This shift will likely drive forum operators to introduce features like automated escrow services and enhanced anonymity to attract users. While stolen accounts across other categories saw year-over-year price drops, Deep Web facts reveal that crypto was up from 2022. That’s because digital currencies went stagnant between Q3 of 2022 and Q1 of 2023, resulting in less interest in buying crypto during this period.
As we move through 2024 and into 2025, these markets are expected to grow in both complexity and scope. Stakeholders, from law enforcement to market operators, will need to continuously adapt to the evolving environment. Layer a VPN (e.g., NordVPN) to mask your IP before entering darknet markets. Essential advice for navigating darknet marketplaces safely and effectively in 2025.
