Ethical Hacking News
Taiwanese operator Rui-Siang Lin has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in running Incognito Market, a notorious darknet marketplace that sold over $105 million worth of illicit narcotics. The sentence serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of engaging in such activities and the determination of law enforcement agencies to bring those responsible to justice.
Rui-Siang Lin, a Taiwanese operator, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for running Incognito Market, a notorious darknet marketplace. The marketplace sold over $105 million worth of illicit narcotics and attracted over 400,000 buyers and 1,800 vendors. Lin controlled every aspect of the operation, including vendors and customers, and implemented a 5% fee on each sale to profit from transactions. The marketplace allowed the sale of opiate-laced pills, including fake "oxycodone" laced with fentanyl, leading to at least one fatal overdose. Lin also engaged in money laundering and conspiring to sell adulterated medication, solidifying his position as a prolific drug trafficker. The sentence serves as a warning to those who engage in similar illicit activities on the dark web and highlights law enforcement's determination to bring perpetrators to justice.
Pierluigi Paganini
February 04, 2026
A shocking turn of events has come to pass in the realm of cybercrime, as a Taiwanese operator named Rui-Siang Lin has been sentenced to a staggering 30 years in prison for his role in running Incognito Market, a notorious darknet marketplace that facilitated the sale of illicit narcotics worth an astonishing $105 million. The sentence, handed down by Judge McMahon, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of engaging in such illicit activities and the determination of law enforcement agencies to bring those responsible to justice.
Lin, who operated under the alias "Pharaoh," was the mastermind behind Incognito Market, which existed on the dark web from 2020 to 2024. During its time online, the marketplace attracted a staggering number of users, with over 400,000 buyers and 1,800 vendors participating in the site's illicit activities. The platform allowed users to browse through thousands of listings, purchase narcotics using cryptocurrencies, and maintain anonymity throughout the process.
However, beneath the surface of Incognito Market's polished online facade lay a complex web of deceit and exploitation. Lin controlled every aspect of the operation, from the vendors who sold the drugs to the customers who purchased them. He also implemented a 5% fee on each sale, which served as a means for him to profit from the transactions taking place on his platform.
But what is perhaps most disturbing about Incognito Market's operations is the lack of regard Lin showed for human life. The marketplace allowed the sale of opiate-laced pills, including fake "oxycodone" that was actually laced with fentanyl. This deadly substance has been linked to at least one fatal overdose, highlighting the devastating consequences of Lin's actions.
In addition to his role in facilitating the sale of illicit narcotics, Lin also engaged in other illicit activities, including money laundering and conspiring to sell adulterated medication. These crimes, which were committed while Lin was operating from various locations around the world, including St. Lucia, further solidified his position as one of the most prolific drug traffickers in the world.
Despite his brazen actions, Lin managed to evade capture for several years, allowing Incognito Market to grow into a massive operation that catered to the needs of thousands of users worldwide. However, his luck finally ran out in December 2024, when he pled guilty to the charges against him.
The sentencing of Rui-Siang Lin serves as a stern warning to those who would engage in similar illicit activities on the dark web. It highlights the determination of law enforcement agencies to bring those responsible for such crimes to justice and the consequences that await them if they are caught.
As U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton succinctly put it, "Rui-Siang Lin was one of the world's most prolific drug traffickers, using the internet to sell more than $105 million of illegal drugs throughout this country and across the globe." He also noted that while Lin made millions from his illicit activities, his actions had devastating consequences, including at least one fatal overdose.
The sentence of 30 years in prison, combined with five years of supervised release and the forfeiture of approximately $105 million, serves as a fitting punishment for Lin's crimes. It is a stark reminder that those who engage in such illicit activities will be brought to justice, no matter how brazen their actions may seem.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Rui-Siang Lin marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat darknet markets and their operators. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges posed by these platforms, it is clear that those responsible for facilitating such illicit activities will face severe consequences if they are caught.
Summary:
Taiwanese operator Rui-Siang Lin has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in running Incognito Market, a notorious darknet marketplace that sold over $105 million worth of illicit narcotics. The sentence serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of engaging in such activities and the determination of law enforcement agencies to bring those responsible to justice.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/The-Dark-Webs-Pharaoh-Falls-A-30-Year-Sentence-for-Incognito-Markets-Rui-Siang-Lin-ehn.shtml
https://securityaffairs.com/187623/deep-web/taiwanese-operator-of-incognito-market-sentenced-to-30-years-over-105m-darknet-drug-ring.html
https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/incognito-market-owner-sentenced-30-years-operating-one-worlds-largest-online
Published: Wed Feb 4 14:25:18 2026 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
