The dark web : a perfect channel for funding of organised crime and terrorism

Abstract

The research conducted examined how the dark web promotes the revenue streams of organised crime and terrorist organisations, with particular attention to anonymised access to the dark web, the use of cryptocurrency for transfers, and the legal and regulatory challenges these present. The study adopted a qualitative research design in order to obtain as much detail as possible from the professionals interviewed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four participants in the sectors of financial crime, cybercrime, compliance and regulation, using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and differences. The research findings indicate that the dark web does not act as the root cause of offending, but rather as an enabler, facilitating illicit trade, covert coordination, and the movement of funds using anonymised infrastructure. Although other tools can be used to access the dark web, the Onion Router (TOR) was identified as the primary tool, while funds were moved mainly through cryptocurrency using practices such as mixers, chain hopping, intermediary wallets and peel chains to obscure transaction trails, launder funds and enable cross-border transfer. The findings also indicate that illicit activities extend beyond the dark web and often migrate to other encrypted messaging applications, such as Telegram, while using hybrid methods that incorporate cryptocurrencies with offline value transfer systems. Law enforcement and regulatory gaps were identified, including attribution difficulties, rapid cross-border transaction flows, regulatory gaps related to decentralised systems, delays in international cooperation, and limited analytical tools and expertise. The dissertation concludes with recommendations aimed at improving cross-border cooperation, investing in specialised training and analytics, and adopting an ecosystem approach to anticipate offender migration to other platforms and financial channels.