France shuts down ‘dark web’ site

French authorities have closed down one of the most important “Dark Web” sites dealing in drugs, guns and false identity documents after a massive operation, a top official said Saturday.

The “Black Hand” site, accessible only with special software, was broken up and its chief administrator and several other people arrested, public accounts minister Gerald Darminin said in a statement.

Four suspects were being questioned Saturday in the northeastern French city of Lille.

As well as equipment, false identity documents and some cash, officials also gained access to the Black Hand server and its stored data.

Darminin said more than 3,000 people used the site, “which confirms the very active nature of this French site”.

The “dark web” is the seedier side of the Internet where hackers and other technically inclined people transact businesses that may be illegal in most countries. It is also in the “dark web” where information and other materials are “leaked.” AFP

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