Joshua J. Kelly, alias ‘USTOUS,’ has been charged for selling controlled substances on the Dark Web in exchange for virtual currencies. The 32-year-old from Cape Girardeau, MO, faces conspiracy charges for distributing narcotics and money laundering.
The grim saga of online drug trafficking took another turn as USTOUS was identified by law enforcement agencies including the DEA, IRS-CI, FBI, USPIS, and ICE-HSI. The agency’s diligent work led to Kelly’s arrest.
Robert Kenneth Decker, alias ‘DIGITALPOSSI2014,’ and Chrissano S. Leslie, alias ‘OWLCITY,’ have both been sentenced to prison for their roles in similar schemes. Decker was charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and money laundering, while Leslie received additional penalties for access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.
In a separate case, Kevin C. Fusco, alias ‘POLIRA,’ faces charges of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and money laundering. He is accused of advertising MDMA on at least two Dark Web marketplaces and conducting 492 transactions.
Since 2015, law enforcement has tracked numerous drug dealers using online marketplaces for the sale of illegal items like fentanyl, heroin, and alpha-PVP. The DEA made undercover purchases of these substances, leading to Kelly’s arrest.
This ongoing investigation highlights the challenges faced by authorities in combating the rise of cybercrime and its impact on the drug trade. The coordinated efforts of multiple agencies have resulted in significant arrests and sentences, sending a strong message against online criminal activities.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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