The Network of Online Stolen Data Markets: How Vendor Flows Connect Digital Marketplaces

Abstract In the face of market uncertainty, illicit actors on darkweb mitigate risk by displacing their operations across digital marketplaces. this study, we reconstruct networks created vendor displacement to examine how marketplaces are connected and identify properties that drive flows before after a law enforcement disruption. Findings show vendors’ movement creates highly ecosystem; nearly all markets directly or indirectly connected. These network characteristics remain stable following operation; prior predict interdiction. The findings inform work collective patterns in offender decision-making extend discussions into spaces.