Dark Web ‘Kill List’ Scam Exploited by Fraudsters Exposed by Investigator

In a disturbing revelation, a scam operating on the Dark Web has been found to exploit individuals seeking hitmen for hire. This fraudulent operation was uncovered by Carl Miller, host of the ‘Kill List’ podcast, who revealed that the site was set up to extort money from individuals without any actual intent to carry out killings.

The case gained significant attention following the investigation into the murder of Amy Allwine, a mother and dog trainer from Minnesota. Her husband, Stephen Allwine, was implicated after an attempt to cover her murder as a suicide failed, partially due to the suspicious positioning of the weapon and his insistence on having legal representation during questioning. Further scrutiny revealed that Stephen had communicated and transferred funds to the bogus hitman website, seeking to have his wife assassinated.

Miller detailed that the site operated under the guise of offering assassination services, while in reality, it was a con. After receiving initial payments, the fraudsters would provide excuses and demand further funds, often claiming the targets were too well-protected. Despite this, many clients repeatedly paid, potentially driven by genuine malicious intent.

To mitigate the threat, Miller took the initiative to contact potential victims. One such instance involved a woman in her 60s named Elena, who was notified that a user named ‘Nordwand’ had paid for her assassination amid a contentious divorce process in Switzerland. Her estranged husband, known as Bruno, was later arrested with an arsenal of weapons, confirming the severity of the threat despite his reliance on a fraudulent website.

The investigation into the website led to significant law enforcement raids in Romania, reportedly revealing individuals living beyond their apparent means. While these raids were impactful, there have been no official prosecutions as of yet. The scam continues to reportedly operate, though efforts from law enforcement agencies like the FBI indicate ongoing investigations.

Miller’s efforts, which resulted in 28 convictions and significant prison sentences, were recognized as pioneering in uncovering this dark corner of the web. However, the fraudulent website remains on the Dark Web, raising concerns about ongoing threats.