Darknet Drug Kingpin Rui-Siang Lin Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Crypto-Enabled Narcotics Operation

In a landmark case highlighting the intersection of cryptocurrency and illicit online markets, Rui-Siang Lin, the operator of the "Incognito Market" darknet platform, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) convicted Lin, known online as "Pharoah," for masterminding a narcotics empire that facilitated over $100 million in transactions using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and Monero (XMR). The platform operated as a sophisticated marketplace for illegal drugs, counterfeit documents, and hacking tools. Lin was found guilty on multiple charges, including money laundering, engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. This sentencing underscores ongoing regulatory and law enforcement efforts to combat the use of digital assets in cybercrime and darknet activities, sending a strong message to operators of similar illegal crypto marketplaces.