Illicit Markets, Drug Money & The Dark Web - Dr. Rasmus Munksgaard

The phrase "Dark Web" conjures images of shady websites, terrifying realities, and a criminal underground hidden away from the rest of the world. In some instances, this may be true. However, in most instances, the "Dark Web" is far from what Hollywood portrays. For example: can you really hire a hitman on the Dark Web? Probably not...those sites tend to be run by scammers or law enforcement agencies. On the other hand: Can you buy drugs on the Dark Web? Certainly...but you can also buy them on regular social media sites, too. So, why do some individuals choose to sell through the dark web? How do these markets even form? How are these "businesses" run? Why do these websites look so professional, almost like an Amazon storefront? Dr. Rasmus Munksgaard joins us for this episode of Crossing The Firewall to answer all of your burning questions related to illicit markets on the Dark Web.----Dr. Rasmus Munksgaard is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology & Social Work at Aalborg University in Denmark. Dr. Munksgaard research focuses on illicit markets both online and offline.Learn more about Dr. Rasmus Munksgaard: https://vbn.aau.dk/en/persons/ramuan ----Interested in learning more about the MSU Center for Cybercrime Investigation & Training? Visit our website: www.cybertraining.msu.eduAdvance your career with a Masters Degree in Cybercrime and Digital Investigation from the MSU School of Criminal Justice: https://online.cj.msu.edu/ms-masters-cybercrime-digital-investigation----Follow Crossing the Firewall on social media! Find us on BlueSky and Instagram. You can also follow the MSU Center for Cybercrime Investigation and Training on LinkedIn. Crossing the Firewall is hosted by Dr. Tom Holt, Dr. Rachel McNealey, and Dr. Taylor Fisher. Edited by JJ Thomas. All views and opinions expressed are the views of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of their home institutions or places of work. All information provided in this podcast should not be taken as business, personal, financial, or legal advice.