Dark Web and VPN Used by Gangs to Run Drug Trade in Delhi-NCR

Gangs operating in Delhi-NCR, including those with foreign nationals, have been using the dark web and virtual private networks (VPNs) to manufacture and supply drugs across the region, making it challenging for investigators to track them down. According to police, these gangs are headed by suppliers based in Nigeria, and their operations involve multi-layered VPNs from prominent tech companies to conceal their IP addresses and identities.

Key Takeaways:

• Investigators have arrested 17 foreign nationals and an Indian citizen in connection with the drug trade, with 16 of them being Nigerians, a Nepalese citizen, and an Indian woman from Mizoram.
• The gangs used the dark web to communicate with their suppliers and arrange for the delivery of consignments, often using masked porters to avoid detection.
• The use of multi-layered VPNs from prominent tech companies prevents investigators from tracing the kingpins abroad, as the IP addresses keep bouncing to various countries, causing a major roadblock in the investigation.
• The accused foreigners lived in different areas of Delhi, including Mehrauli, Dwarka, Govindpuri, Chattarpur, and Uttam Nagar, where contraband ranging from 12g of MDMA to 1kg of Sulfa and 904g of cocaine was recovered from their possession.
• Many of the accused had entered India on business, student, or medical visas, which had expired, and were involved in criminal activities to avoid deportation.
• The police officer noted that the gang members used digital currencies like Bitcoin to carry out transactions and distributed drugs at parties using women who could easily blend into the crowd.

Statistics:

• 17 foreign nationals and an Indian citizen have been arrested in connection with the drug trade in Delhi-NCR.
• The accused included 16 Nigerians, a Nepalese citizen, and an Indian woman from Mizoram.
• Contraband ranging from 12g of MDMA to 1kg of Sulfa and 904g of cocaine was recovered from the accused.
• Many of the accused had expired business, student, or medical visas.

Sources:

• Times of India