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An online platform that for years fueled an underground marketplace for drugs, stolen data, and hacking tools has finally brought one of its founders to justice. One of the organizers of the darknet marketplace Empire Market, considered one of the largest shadow markets in the world, has pleaded guilty in the US.
Raheim Hamilton, 30, of Suffolk, Virginia, pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy. Under US law, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for June 17, 2026.
Investigators found that Hamilton, along with Thomas Pavey, owned and operated Empire Market from 2018 to 2020. During this time, the platform processed more than 4 million transactions worth over $430 million, making it one of the largest darknet markets of its time. Users could anonymously buy and sell illegal substances, stolen credentials, personal information, counterfeit money, and hacking tools. Drugs accounted for the bulk of the turnover, with total sales reaching nearly $375 million.
The case documents state that the platform's creators initially designed Empire Market to allow users to avoid law enforcement scrutiny and launder the proceeds of their illegal transactions. All transactions on the site were conducted exclusively in cryptocurrency. As part of a plea agreement, Hamilton agreed to forfeit illegally obtained assets, including approximately 1,230 bitcoins and 24.4 ether, as well as three properties in Virginia.
The platform's second co-founder, 40-year-old Thomas Pavey of Ormond Beach, Florida, pleaded guilty in 2025. He is also awaiting sentencing and faces a similar maximum sentence. Under the terms of his plea agreement, he handed over approximately 1,584 bitcoins, gold bars, cars, and Florida real estate to authorities.
The Empire Market story has become one of the largest examples of how darknet markets can become fully fledged shadow economies, yet their creators ultimately find themselves in the crosshairs of law enforcement.
Raheim Hamilton, 30, of Suffolk, Virginia, pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy. Under US law, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for June 17, 2026.
Investigators found that Hamilton, along with Thomas Pavey, owned and operated Empire Market from 2018 to 2020. During this time, the platform processed more than 4 million transactions worth over $430 million, making it one of the largest darknet markets of its time. Users could anonymously buy and sell illegal substances, stolen credentials, personal information, counterfeit money, and hacking tools. Drugs accounted for the bulk of the turnover, with total sales reaching nearly $375 million.
The case documents state that the platform's creators initially designed Empire Market to allow users to avoid law enforcement scrutiny and launder the proceeds of their illegal transactions. All transactions on the site were conducted exclusively in cryptocurrency. As part of a plea agreement, Hamilton agreed to forfeit illegally obtained assets, including approximately 1,230 bitcoins and 24.4 ether, as well as three properties in Virginia.
The platform's second co-founder, 40-year-old Thomas Pavey of Ormond Beach, Florida, pleaded guilty in 2025. He is also awaiting sentencing and faces a similar maximum sentence. Under the terms of his plea agreement, he handed over approximately 1,584 bitcoins, gold bars, cars, and Florida real estate to authorities.
The Empire Market story has become one of the largest examples of how darknet markets can become fully fledged shadow economies, yet their creators ultimately find themselves in the crosshairs of law enforcement.