A Shocking Case of Murder Plot Uncovered on the Dark Web
John Michael Musbach, a 34-year-old resident of Haddonfield, New Jersey, has been sentenced to six and a half years in jail for hiring a hitman to commit murder. He transferred $20,000 worth of BTC to the hitman to kill a child who was about to testify against him in a child-pornography case, with the child being the victim.
Key Points:
- Musbach exchanged sexually explicit content with a 13-year-old child in 2015.
- Upon discovering the offense, the victim’s parents contacted law enforcement.
- Musbach was identified as the perpetrator by New York’s police.
- Authorities found that Musbach had been seeking a hitman on the Dark Web to eliminate the child.
- Musbach pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child and initially received a two-year suspended sentence.
Another Disturbing Case:
A similar case involved Scott Quinn Berkett, a 26-year-old resident of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. He pleaded guilty to hiring a hitman on the Dark Web to kill his ex-girlfriend and sent $13,000 in bitcoin as payment. Undercover agents intercepted the crime, pretending to be the hitman, and Berkett confirmed his intentions.
Initially facing a ten-year prison sentence, Berkett’s mental health condition was considered a mitigating factor, leading to a recommended five-year prison term. He was ultimately sentenced to 60 months in prison by Judge Scarsi.
Hot Take:
These cases highlight the disturbing reality of individuals using the Dark Web to carry out heinous crimes. The internet provides anonymity and access to illegal services, making it crucial for law enforcement agencies to maintain vigilance and collaborate to ensure the safety and protection of potential victims.