Law enforcement agencies have developed sophisticated methods for investigating darknet activities. Understanding these tactics provides insight into the cat-and-mouse game between anonymous users and investigators.
Primary Methods
Undercover Operations
Agents pose as vendors, buyers, or staff to gather intelligence from inside.
NITs (Malware)
Network Investigative Techniques deployed through browser exploits.
Honeypots
Operating seized markets to collect intelligence (Hansa operation).
Blockchain Analysis
Tracing Bitcoin transactions to exchanges with KYC.
Traditional Methods
- Controlled deliveries: Allowing packages through to identify recipients
- Postal forensics: Fingerprints, DNA, handwriting analysis
- Informants: Flipped criminals providing inside information
- Physical surveillance: Following suspects identified online
Exploiting OPSEC Failures
Most darknet arrests result from human error, not technical attacks:
- Reused usernames/emails
- Writing style analysis (stylometry)
- Timing correlation
- Lifestyle evidence (spending patterns)