Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy states that international criminal organizations are increasing their activities in the so-called "darknet" areas of the internet and draws attention to the fact that young people are under the threat of criminal organizations. Approximately two-thirds of the crypto or darknet markets, which are platforms where identity information can be hidden, constitute drug trade. Pointing out that the number of professionals who will conduct cybercrime investigations should be increased, Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy suggested the creation of "cyber patrols".
The security of darknet regions on the internet, which is also the field of activity of Bitcoin, one of the most talked about topics of recent times, is discussed.
Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy, Vice Rector of Üsküdar University, Director of the Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences and Member of the United Nations International Drug Control Board (INCB), stated that international criminal organizations are increasingly increasing their commercial activities in the parts of the internet defined as "darknet", in other words "dark net" or "deep net".
Drug trafficking accounts for two thirds
Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy pointed out that this situation poses a serious threat to the health and safety of the society, especially our young people, who are known to have access to social media, thus high information acquisition power and are prone to apply new technologies:
"According to the latest data, drug trafficking accounts for about two-thirds of the crypto or darknet markets, which is a wide-ranging platform for the exchange of illegal products and services and a platform where identity information can be hidden. Although their share of global drug trafficking is currently around 45%, the volume of crypto markets is growing every day, and within a few years the entire trade in illicit drugs and the precursor chemicals needed for their synthesis is expected to shift to this medium.
Shutting down in danger of being caught
Stating that the same organization continues its illegal activities in different countries and through multiple service providers, Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy said, "The nature of the market is dynamic, in other words, it is opened for a short period of time and closed in the face of the danger of being caught. The number of postal and package transportation services is increasing rapidly. Unprecedented ways of payment and delivery are emerging, and GPS-enabled applications serve this purpose. This is why the fight against drug traffickers operating in the darknet environment is not yielding the desired results."
Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy warned, "In addition to our efforts to catch crypto-traffickers after the crime, we need to focus on cybersecurity efforts to predict the crime and stop it before it is committed." Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy said, "As a matter of fact, although two major darknet markets, Alphabay and Hansa, were taken down in July 2017, they were able to restart their operations within a few months."
Cyber patrols should be established
Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy said, "In addition to the international cooperation and intelligence sharing of security units, it is necessary to increase the number of professionals who will conduct cybercrime investigations and constantly update their knowledge, as well as to create darknet teams, in other words "cyber patrols", where our volunteer youth can anonymously provide information.