According to the blockchain analysis firm Elliptic, the darknet trading platforms that usually sell narcotics and stolen credit cards are now listings face masks and other essentials to combat the coronavirus pandemic at much higher prices. N95 respirator masks, which are normally priced at less than $1 each in bulk, are listed for $1.75 per mask. These vendors are also selling “Corona LockDown Survival Pack,” which includes Cannabis and toilet paper.
Darknet vendors are cashing in on global fear of pandemic
In several countries, there is a ban on selling N95 masks to the general public as there is a shortage, and they are only meant for healthcare workers. According to the report, these darknet vendors are cashing in on the general fear in public about the ongoing pandemic. Earlier, the widespread fear of the global pandemic led to panic buying of essentials and supplies in many countries. Instances of essential things like masks and hand sanitizers being stolen from doctor’s offices were also reported.
Demand for anti-malarial drug chloroquine increases
The demand for the anti-malaria drug HydroxyChloroquine increased after the US President Donald Trump repeatedly claimed the effectiveness of the medicine in treating COVID-19 patients. The vendors on the darknet have also listed this drug on websites for the general public. The blockchain analysis firm reported that a vendor had listed a pack of 150 pills for $500. The consumption of Cannabis has also spiked in the United States after the government announced lockdowns and restrictions in movement amid coronavirus pandemic. The darknet vendors playing on the fear of the general public are offering “Coronavirus discounts” or “COVID-19 end of the world special offers.”
Currently, there are over 367,000 positive COVID 19 cases in the USA, and over 10,000 people have lost their lives because of this virus.
