Georgia Doctor Pleads Guilty in Bitcoin Murder-for-Hire Plot
A Georgia-based physician, Dr. James Wan, has entered a guilty plea for orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot using Bitcoin on the dark web. The plot involved hiring a hitman to make it look like his girlfriend died in a carjacking gone wrong. Dr. Wan is currently awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for January 2024.
The Dark Web Murder-for-Hire Plot
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Dr. Wan sought a hitman on the dark web to have his girlfriend murdered. His involvement in the dark web began in April 2022, where he meticulously arranged for the murder by providing extensive details about his girlfriend, including her Facebook account and vehicle description. The contract was supposed to be sealed with multiple Bitcoin payments totaling around $24,200.
However, the operation did not go as planned. Dr. Wan initially attempted to transfer a 50% down payment of approximately $8,000 worth of Bitcoin to an escrow wallet but sent the funds to the wrong address. A week later, he sent another $8,000 worth of Bitcoin to ensure there was enough money in the escrow account. He also asked questions in the marketplace’s forum about the progress and timing of the work.
FBI Foils the Plot
Despite Dr. Wan’s efforts, the murder-for-hire plot was never carried out. The FBI successfully intervened and prevented the crime from happening. Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, stated that Wan’s concealment on the dark web did not save him from facing consequences: “He will now face the full consequences of the criminal justice system.”
A Disturbing Trend
This is not the first instance of someone using Bitcoin to hire a hitman. In 2021, the FBI charged a Utah man who paid $16,000 in Bitcoin for a double murder. Additionally, an Italian man used €10,000 ($12,000) in cryptocurrency to hire a hitman for an assault on his ex-girlfriend. Similar cases have also emerged this year, such as a Nevada woman sentenced to 5 years in prison for hiring a hitman with Bitcoin and a Tennessee woman indicted for attempting to hire a hitman through the dark web.
Hot Take: The Dark Side of Cryptocurrency
The use of cryptocurrency in criminal activities highlights one of the major challenges faced by the crypto industry. While cryptocurrencies offer various benefits and opportunities, their pseudonymous nature can be exploited by individuals seeking to engage in illegal activities. It is crucial for authorities and regulatory bodies to continue monitoring and investigating such cases to maintain the integrity of the crypto space. Additionally, it is important for users to exercise caution and report any suspicious activities involving cryptocurrencies to ensure a safer environment for all.
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