Incognito Market Operator Sentenced to 30 Years in Major Dark Web Drug Case

Rui-Siang Lin, the alleged operator of the dark web narcotics marketplace known as “Incognito Market,” has been sentenced to 30 years in U.S. federal prison, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. The sentencing marks the conclusion of one of the most significant online drug marketplace prosecutions since the takedown of Silk Road, underscoring the continued focus of U.S. authorities on dismantling large-scale dark web drug networks.

Lin, a 24-year-old Taiwanese national who went by the online alias “Pharaoh,” pleaded guilty in December 2024 to multiple charges, including narcotics conspiracy, money laundering, and conspiring to distribute adulterated and misbranded medication. Prosecutors stated that Incognito Market facilitated more than $105 million in illegal drug sales between October 2020 and March 2024. During that period, the platform reportedly processed over 640,000 transactions and served hundreds of thousands of buyers across the globe, making it one of the largest active dark web drug markets in recent years.

U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton described Lin as one of the world’s most prolific drug traffickers, emphasizing the severe social impact of his crimes. Authorities said Lin earned millions through the platform while contributing to the opioid crisis and causing widespread harm. Prosecutors also linked his activities to at least one fatal overdose, highlighting the real-world consequences of online drug trafficking.

The investigation relied on a combination of blockchain analysis, undercover drug purchases, and critical operational security failures. According to the initial criminal complaint filed by the Southern District of New York, investigators were able to trace the Incognito Market domain back to Lin after he allegedly used his real name, phone number, and physical address during registration, a mistake that ultimately exposed his identity.

Additional reporting from Taiwanese media revealed that Lin previously studied at National Taiwan University and later completed Taiwan’s mandatory civilian alternative service in St. Lucia. During that time, he reportedly worked in a technical assistance role and even provided training to local police on cybercrime and cryptocurrency, a striking contrast to the criminal activities he was allegedly running in parallel.

The case highlights how law enforcement agencies are increasingly combining traditional investigative methods with blockchain forensics to target major players in the dark web drug trade, sending a clear warning to operators who believe anonymity alone can shield them from accountability.