AlpraKing was a pseudonym used by an individual who operated as a major darknet Xanax vendor. The vendor was known for selling large quantities of counterfeit Xanax pills through online marketplaces on the dark web, using anonymous communication and payment channels to evade law enforcement.
AlpraKing was active on several darknet markets, including Dream Market, AlphaBay, and Wall Street Market, from 2015 to 2018. The vendor claimed to have sold over 5 million counterfeit Xanax pills during that time, generating millions of dollars in profits.
In 2018, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) launched an investigation into AlpraKing’s activities, which led to the identification and arrest of the vendor. The investigation involved tracking the vendor’s online activity and financial transactions, as well as analyzing seized drug samples and conducting interviews with associates.
In June 2019, the vendor, whose real name was identified and was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, money laundering, and other related charges. The case was seen as a significant victory for law enforcement in their efforts to crack down on illegal drug trafficking on the dark web. Here are 5 things you should know about him
His Real Name
The real name of AlpraKing is Ryan Farace a darknet vendor who became infamous for his role in the illegal distribution of counterfeit Xanax pills through online marketplaces on the dark web. His story is a cautionary tale about the dangers and consequences of engaging in illicit drug trafficking, particularly on the dark web where anonymity can be misleading.
He is a United States Citizen
Farace was born in the United States in 1994 and grew up in a middle-class family. He attended college for a brief period but dropped out to pursue entrepreneurial ventures, including starting his own tech company and investing in cryptocurrency. However, he soon became involved in drug trafficking and began selling Xanax pills on the dark web under the pseudonym AlpraKing.
He Sold Over 5 Million Counterfeit Xanax Pills
Farace’s operation grew rapidly, and he quickly gained a reputation as one of the largest Xanax vendors on the dark web. He claimed to have sold over 5 million counterfeit Xanax pills between 2015 and 2018, generating millions of dollars in profits. His success was due in part to his ability to source high-quality counterfeit pills from China and other countries, which he then packaged and sold to buyers on darknet markets such as Dream Market, AlphaBay, and Wall Street Market.
Farace’s operation was not without risks, however. He faced competition from other darknet vendors, many of whom were also selling counterfeit Xanax pills. He also had to navigate the challenges of operating in a largely anonymous and unregulated environment, which made it difficult to establish trust with buyers and suppliers.
He Was Arrested In 2018
In 2018, Farace’s luck ran out when the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) launched an investigation into his activities. The investigation, dubbed “Operation Dark Gold,” was a multi-agency effort involving the tracking of Farace’s online activity and financial transactions, as well as the analysis of seized drug samples and the conduct of interviews with associates.
He is Serving a 7 Year Jail Time
Despite Farace’s attempts to conceal his identity and evade law enforcement, the investigation eventually led to his identification and arrest. In June 2019, Farace pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, money laundering, and other related offenses. He was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison, with an additional three years of supervised release.
He Forfeited $1.5 million in cash, 1.100 bitcoin, and $2.5 million in computer equipment
Farace and his co-conspirator, Robert Swain, laundered the drug proceeds through financial transactions designed to conceal the source and ownership of the illegal funds. The judge in his case ordered that Farace must forfeit a money judgment equal to $5,665,000 and 4,000 Bitcoin. Farace was also ordered to forfeit assets seized by law enforcement during the execution of search warrants on January 16, 2018, at locations associated with the conspiracies, including $1.5 million in cash, 1.100 bitcoin, and $2.5 million in computer equipment.
Farace’s case was seen as a significant victory for law enforcement in their efforts to crack down on illegal drug trafficking on the dark web. It also highlighted the dangers and consequences of engaging in such activities, particularly for young people like Farace who may be attracted to the allure of quick profits and the perceived anonymity of the dark web.
The story of AlpraKing is a cautionary tale about the dangers of illicit drug trafficking and the risks of engaging in such activities on the dark web. It underscores the importance of strong law enforcement efforts to combat drug trafficking and the need for greater public awareness and education about the dangers of drug use and abuse.
