TechFlow reported on October 23, citing Cryptonews and a deep investigative report by Russian authoritative media Izvestia, revealing a criminal network leveraging the dark web and cryptocurrencies. This network offers illegal services such as "on-demand arson," raising serious concerns about cybersecurity and financial regulation. According to reports, these criminals conduct transactions via dark web forums, Telegram chat apps, and cryptocurrency wallets. Arson targets include vehicles, apartments, cafes, and shops. Police noted that while perpetrators carrying out the crimes are usually apprehended quickly, identifying the individuals who commissioned and paid for the acts remains significantly more difficult.
The investigation found that recruitment barriers for arsonists are low, with main requirements being photos proving physical fitness. After completing a task, employers pay rewards in cryptocurrency based on photo or video evidence. For a "simple" arson task, employers typically pay around $1,500, of which the arsonist receives approximately $750 in cryptocurrency. Alarmingly, not only experienced criminals are involved—teenagers have also been recruited into these illicit activities. In the fall of 2024, a series of similar cases occurred in the Moscow region, where adolescents were hired to set cars or apartment building entrances on fire.
