A darknet market is a website hosted on the dark web, an encrypted network that is not accessible through traditional search engines and web browsers. Darknet markets offer a variety of goods and services, ranging from drugs and firearms to counterfeit currency and stolen credit card information. They are often used by criminals to purchase and sell illegal goods and services anonymously.

Darknet markets are unregulated and unmonitored, making them ideal for criminals looking to remain anonymous. Transactions are typically made using cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, and are often conducted over the Tor network, which provides an additional layer of anonymity. Because of the anonymous nature of darknet markets, it is difficult to determine the exact number of users or the volume of transactions taking place.

Darknet markets have been around since the early 2000s, and have become increasingly popular over the years. In recent years, law enforcement agencies around the world have taken steps to shut down these illegal markets and prosecute those involved. However, darknet markets still remain a major source of illegal activity on the web, and it is estimated that billions of dollars are exchanged on darknet markets each year.