A Texas-based drug ring has been sentenced for their involvement in a dark web drug operation that utilized cryptocurrency to launder up to $50,000 per month. The group, known as “Loverbois,” distributed almost 12 kilograms of methamphetamine and processed an average of 20 drug orders daily between July 2019 and December 2020. After a federal investigation dismantled the network, the members received sentences ranging from probation to 84 months in prison.
Texas Dark Web Drug Ring Sentenced for Cryptocurrency Laundering
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio recently announced the sentencing of six individuals linked to a dark web methamphetamine trafficking ring. This Texas-based group operated by selling nearly 12 kilograms of meth disguised as Adderall pills and using cryptocurrency to launder their drug profits from July 2019 to December 2020.
According to court documents, “The defendants distributed a total of 11.98 kilograms of methamphetamine in pill form and laundered between $15,000 and $50,000 monthly through cryptocurrency.” Under the alias “Loverbois,” the group conducted approximately 20 drug transactions per day. “Phung managed and operated the Loverbois accounts during most of the conspiracy, handling online orders and obtaining pills from Tran and Guzman.
Phung was also responsible for receiving cryptocurrency in exchange for the pills and laundering the proceeds.” The key player John Dang was in charge of packaging and laundering the drugs. The court records stated:
“Dang packaged the pills for shipping and delivery, as well as assisted in moving and laundering cryptocurrency, amounting to around $15,000 per month.”
The sentences handed down varied from probation to 84 months in prison following an investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). This collaborative effort involving agencies such as the FBI, DEA, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service aimed to disrupt drug trafficking and money laundering networks.
Share your thoughts on this case in the comments below.