“Incognito Market” Owner Arrested Faces Life in Prison

In a major crackdown on dark web drug trafficking, Rui-Siang Lin, also known as "Pharoah," was apprehended at John F. Kennedy Airport on May 18. Lin, 23, from Taiwan, operated "Incognito Market," an illegal online marketplace dealing in narcotics, which grossed over $100 million in sales worldwide. He will appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willis in Manhattan federal court today.

"Drug traffickers who think they can operate outside the law on the dark web are wrong," stated Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "Rui-Siang Lin's scheme trafficked deadly drugs across the globe, and we will bring to justice those who attempt to hide their crimes there."

Launched in October 2020, Incognito Market quickly became a dominant force on the dark web, offering a plethora of illegal narcotics, including cocaine and methamphetamines. Accessible globally via the Tor browser, the platform allowed users to buy and sell drugs anonymously. Lin, using the pseudonym "Pharoah," controlled every aspect of the operation, from vendor management to customer service.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams highlighted the significance of this arrest: "Lin operated a sophisticated and dangerous marketplace, profiting millions at the expense of community health. The dark web is not a sanctuary for criminal activity, and we will continue to pursue those breaking the law."

According to Assistant Director in Charge James Smith of the FBI New York Field Office, Lin's operation promised anonymity to users while selling lethal drugs and counterfeit prescription medication worldwide. The FBI is committed to dismantling such criminal enterprises, especially those leveraging the dark web.

HSI New York's Special Agent in Charge, Ivan J. Arvelo, noted the illicit sales exceeded $100 million and included mislabeled drugs containing deadly fentanyl. Lin's greed was further exposed by an extortion attempt as the platform was shutting down.

DEA's Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III emphasized the ongoing collaboration with law enforcement partners to target dark web narcotics sales. "Lin's reckless actions put profits before public health, and we will ensure that those hiding behind a keyboard face justice."

Charles Grinstead, Special Agent in Charge of FDA-OCI Kansas City Field Office, reiterated the commitment to dismantling illegal drug sales on the dark web. "We will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who prioritize profits over public health and safety."

NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban commended the dedicated efforts of law enforcement in identifying and dismantling illicit drug networks. "This arrest underscores our unwavering commitment to public safety."

Incognito Market mimicked legitimate e-commerce sites with features like branding, advertising, and customer service. Users could log in with unique credentials and browse thousands of narcotics listings, including heroin, LSD, MDMA, and counterfeit prescription medications.

Each vendor on the platform paid an admission fee and a 5% commission on sales to Incognito Market. The marketplace's "bank" facilitated cryptocurrency transactions, ensuring buyer and seller anonymity.

In a 2023 undercover operation, law enforcement agents purchased pills advertised as oxycodone, which were later found to contain fentanyl, highlighting the market's dangers.

If convicted, Lin faces a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison for engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, and maximum sentences of life for narcotics conspiracy, 20 years for money laundering, and five years for conspiracy to sell adulterated and misbranded medication. Sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutory factors.

The case was investigated by the FBI, HSI, DEA, FDA-OCI, and NYPD, with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan B. Finkel and Nicholas Chiuchiolo from the Southern District of New York.