Source: Chainalysis Darknet markets continue to thrive - despite being regularly targeted by law enforcement agencies and site administrators often stealing buyers' and sellers' cryptocurrency via "exit scams." Why darknet markets persist might be best summarized as: While they aren't perfect, and users may sometimes lose funds or risk arrest, for anyone who wants to buy or sell illegal goods or services online, what other options do they have? "This is the biggest year on record for darknet marketplaces." Alternatives include cybercrime forums, which also continue to thrive - but the best ones tend to be restricted to users in Russia and neighboring countries. Another option is to use legitimate, encrypted messaging apps, such as Telegram, Discord, Jabber and Wickr. But criminals often distrust tools not built by and for criminals.