FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

❓ What was BlackOps?

BlackOps was a boutique darknet marketplace specializing exclusively in drug-related products. Launched in September 2024, it positioned itself as a "private members' club" emphasizing military-grade security, vendor quality, and user privacy. The marketplace implemented mandatory 4096-bit PGP encryption, Monero-only payments, dual-factor authentication, and featured an industry-first independent drug testing program.

❓ When did BlackOps launch?

September 2024 during a period of darknet market fragmentation following major law enforcement takedowns. The marketplace operated for approximately 16 months until alleged seizure in January 2025.

❓ What is the current status of BlackOps?

CRITICALLY UNCERTAIN. Alleged seizure (Operation Dark Hunt, January 10, 2025) claims exist but remain unverified by official law enforcement sources. Conflicting reports create unprecedented risk. Some sources claim shutdown, others list as "active." No official marketplace statement has addressed status. Extreme caution required - all interaction carries critical legal, financial, and OPSEC risks regardless of actual status.

❓ How many vendors and users did BlackOps have?

1,000-1,200+ vetted vendors during operational period. Alleged seizure documents claim 85,000 user accounts and $180 million transaction volume, though these numbers remain unverified. The marketplace accumulated 3,000+ reviews with an exceptional 4.9/5.0 average rating.

🔐 What encryption did BlackOps use?

Mandatory 4096-bit RSA PGP encryption for all communications - no opt-out available. All users required to configure PGP keys before first trade. Messages, addresses, and sensitive data encrypted end-to-end. Marketplace implemented perfect forward secrecy for authentication sessions and automated message deletion after specified time periods.

🔐 Was 2FA required?

Yes, mandatory. BlackOps required dual-factor authentication combining TOTP (Time-Based One-Time Passwords) with PGP-based cryptographic signature verification. Enrollment required during account creation. Session-specific security tokens and optional IP address verification provided additional layers.

🔐 Why Monero-only? Why not Bitcoin?

Bitcoin transactions are fully traceable on the public blockchain. Addresses, amounts, and transaction graphs are permanently visible. Blockchain analysis companies can track Bitcoin with high accuracy.

Monero provides true privacy by default:

• Ring signatures: Mix your transaction with 10-15 others (untraceable origin)
• Stealth addresses: Unique one-time addresses (receiver privacy)
• RingCT: Hidden transaction amounts (value privacy)
• Dandelion++: IP address obfuscation (network privacy)

BlackOps mandated XMR exclusively to protect users from blockchain surveillance.

🔐 Did BlackOps have any security breaches?

Zero documented security breaches during the 16-month operational period (September 2024 - January 2025). No hacks, major vulnerabilities, or confirmed exit scam prior to alleged seizure. Strong security track record maintained throughout operations.

💰 What were the transaction fees?

0.5% buyer transaction fee - industry-leading low compared to typical 2-5% marketplace fees. This was one of BlackOps' major competitive advantages.

• Buyer fee: 0.5% (industry-leading)
• Vendor commission: 5-8% tiered (performance-based)
• Vendor bond: $400 USD (mid-range)
• Listing fees: Free
• Withdrawal fee: ~$2.47 AUD
• Deposit fee: Free

💰 How did the escrow system work?

2-of-3 multisignature escrow with three keys:

1. Buyer key - controlled by purchaser
2. Vendor key - controlled by seller
3. Admin key - held by marketplace for dispute arbitration

Standard release: Buyer + Vendor signatures release funds upon delivery

Dispute resolution: Admin arbitrates using third key if disagreement

Escrow duration: 5-30 days based on vendor trust level and product category

💰 Was BlackOps wallet-based or walletless?

Wallet-based system - users deposited Monero to marketplace-controlled addresses. This architecture carried exit scam vulnerability as administrators controlled deposited cryptocurrency. Inferior to walletless competitors (Torzon, DrugHub) that use direct payment systems eliminating centralized fund control.

🧪 What was the drug testing program?

Industry-first fully-funded laboratory testing - marketplace financed independent scientific verification of product quality. Hands-off vendor process provided objective data beyond vendor claims or community ratings. Results published transparently, creating accountability and trust. This innovation was unique to BlackOps and not found in competitor marketplaces.

🧪 What were cryptographically verified reviews?

Digital signatures authenticated all ratings and reviews - tamper-proof after submission. Only verified purchasers linked to completed transactions could review products. This system:

• Prevented marketplace manipulation
• Eliminated fake feedback
• Stopped vendor review gaming
• Built authentic trust signals

Another industry-first innovation from BlackOps.

🧪 What was adaptive time-based UI?

Industry-first automatic theming - interface changed based on time of day. Dark mode optimized for nighttime viewing (6 PM - 6 AM), optional light mode for daytime (6 AM - 6 PM). Community-requested light mode added "for people who need color in their lives." This feature was unique to BlackOps and not implemented by competitors.

⚖️ How did BlackOps compare to competitors?

Advantages:

• Lowest fees (0.5% vs 2-5% typical)
• Independent drug testing (unique)
• Cryptographic reviews (unique)
• Adaptive UI theming (unique)
• High user satisfaction (4.9/5.0)

Disadvantages:

• Wallet-based architecture (exit scam risk)
• Short operational history (16 months)
• Monero-only (limited cryptocurrency options)
• <5% market share (boutique tier)
• Current uncertain status

⚖️ What are recommended alternatives?

Given BlackOps' uncertain status, consider verified active marketplaces with:

• Walletless architecture (eliminates exit scam risk)
• Proven track records (2+ years operational history)
• Clear operational status (verified active on multiple sources)
• Strong community consensus on legitimacy

Examples: Torzon Market (walletless, 2+ years, 30,000+ listings), DrugHub Market (walletless zero-trust architecture), NEXUS Market (quantum-resistant encryption).

What are the specific risks?

Legal Risks: Law enforcement monitoring, international prosecution, shipping address exposure, communication evidence

Financial Risks: Exit scam theft, seizure forfeiture, phishing losses, no dispute resolution

OPSEC Risks: Identity correlation, vendor-buyer connections, pattern analysis, metadata collection, PGP key compromise

Reputational Risks: Trust destroyed, community consensus advises caution, permanent damage regardless of status

🔧 What browser should I use?

Tor Browser exclusively. Download only from torproject.org. Never use modified versions, VPN-only setups, or clearnet proxies. Set security level to "Safest" in settings. Don't install extensions. Don't maximize window. These protections work together - skipping any creates vulnerabilities.

🔧 How do I verify onion addresses?

V3 onion addresses use 56-character format ending in .onion. The address itself is derived from the service's public key - self-authenticating. Check addresses character-by-character against multiple trusted sources. Cross-reference dark.fail, Dread forums, and PGP-signed mirror lists. Bookmark immediately after verification.

🔧 What is PGP and why is it required?

Pretty Good Privacy provides end-to-end encryption for messages. Even if servers are compromised, only recipient's private key can decrypt content. Learn PGP before your first order. Use Kleopatra on Windows, GPG Suite on Mac, or command-line GPG on Linux. Never send plaintext addresses - this single habit prevents most doxing incidents in darknet marketplace usage.

🔧 How do I get Monero?

Buy XMR on exchanges like Kraken, Binance, or decentralized options like LocalMonero. For best privacy, never send directly from exchange to destination. Use intermediate wallet first - this breaks address chain. Monero GUI wallet from getmonero.org works for daily use. Mobile options include Cake Wallet and Monerujo.

🏪 How did vendor vetting work?

New vendors faced rigorous screening before approval. Required demonstration of existing reputation on other platforms or extensive identity verification. Sample products tested through independent lab program. No instant vendor access - waiting period allowed background research. Rejection rate reportedly higher than 60%. This strict approach maintained quality over quantity.

🏪 What vendor tools were available?

Professional storefront templates requiring no technical skills. Integrated inventory management tracked stock levels automatically. Sales analytics dashboards showed trends and buyer demographics. Bulk listing tools for high-volume sellers. PGP key management built into vendor interface. Free setup assistance for approved vendors with best practices documentation.

🏪 What categories were allowed?

Drug-focused only: Cannabis products (flower, concentrates, edibles), stimulants, psychedelics, and pharmaceuticals. Notably absent: weapons, malware, stolen data, fraudulent documents, and non-drug contraband. The drug-only focus was central to platform identity. Vendors attempting prohibited items faced immediate permanent bans. CSAM carried zero tolerance policy.

📦 How did shipping work?

Vendors handled shipping independently with various stealth methods. Address encrypted with vendor's PGP key before submission. Options varied by vendor: standard post, express delivery, drop shipping. Most vendors offered multiple shipping tiers at different price points. Tracking availability depended on method chosen and vendor policy.

📦 What about international orders?

Many vendors shipped internationally but at higher prices and risk. Customs inspection rates varied by country pairs. Some vendors specialized in specific routes with proven success rates. International orders typically took 1-3 weeks depending on countries involved. Domestic orders generally faster and safer - most users preferred local vendors when available.

📦 What if order didn't arrive?

Escrow protection allowed dispute filing if order failed to arrive within expected timeframe. Admin arbitration reviewed evidence from both parties. Legitimate non-delivery typically resulted in buyer refund from escrow. Vendors with high dispute rates faced reputation damage and potential removal. Communication records and shipping proof examined during resolution.

🛡️ What operating system should I use?

For maximum security, consider Tails OS booted from USB drive. Leaves no traces on host machine after shutdown. Everything runs through Tor by default. Alternatively, Whonix provides strong isolation through virtual machines. At minimum, use dedicated browser profile never mixed with regular browsing activity. Never use your daily computer for sensitive activities.

🛡️ How do I protect my identity?

Use unique usernames and passwords everywhere. Never reuse credentials from clearnet sites. Don't discuss local events, weather, or identifying details. Disable location services. Be aware of timezone leaks in browser metadata. Vary patterns to prevent correlation. Never create screenshots of orders or share transaction details - digital evidence persists forever.

🛡️ What are common mistakes to avoid?

Reusing identities across platforms. Trusting screenshots as proof. Skipping verification steps. Discussing activity with friends. Using same writing style everywhere. Clicking links from forums or search results. Sending plaintext addresses. Rushing past security checks. These mistakes account for most compromised users - not technical exploits.

🛡️ How long should I wait before trusting a platform?

New platforms require observation period before use. Watch for consistent uptime, community feedback, and transparent admin communications. Established platforms with 2+ year track records carry lower risk. Even then, walletless architecture eliminates exit scam risk entirely. Never deposit more than you're willing to lose on any centralized platform regardless of reputation.

🛡️ What if I suspect compromise?

If you suspect any account compromise, cease all activity immediately. Don't log in to check. Assume the worst. If funds are at risk, they're likely already gone. Learn from the incident and start fresh with completely new identities, addresses, and security practices. Never try to recover compromised accounts - cut losses and move forward safely.