The largest dark web marketplace, called DarkMarket, has finally been taken offline after a joint operation between law enforcement agencies from several different countries - Germany, Denmark, Australia, Moldova, Ukraine, the UK and the States, coordinated by Europol and led by the German Koblenz Public Prosecutor’s office. The market had almost half a million users and over 2,400 sellers of various illegal goods, such as malware, stolen or fake ID cards, drugs and anonymous SIM cards. It largely operated through cryptocurrencies – transactions with cryptocurrency worth more than 140 million euro were finalized. Out of those transactions over 4,650 Bitcoin tokens and 12,800 Monero XMR were transferred. That sort of thing gives cryptos a very bad name, I think. If crypocurrencies are to be used by the wide public they shouldn’t be known as the best way to facilitate crime anonymously.
Yeah there have been a few marketplaces recently that have either been frozen or shut down. Authorities are taking them over in sting operations. In a few weeks there will be more marketplaces on that list. Best to stay away right now
XMR is a so-called "privacy coin" and it seems like the angst of the US government will be directed towards it and ZEC (also privacy coin). I think the "privacy enhanced" cryptos are going to see some regulation.