U.S. Sanctions Iranian National Behind Defunct Nemesis Darknet Marketplace

The U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned Behrouz Parsarad, the alleged sole administrator of the now-defunct Nemesis darknet marketplace, which facilitated drug trafficking, cybercrime, and money laundering before being taken down in March 2024.

• Nemesis operated from 2021-2024, with over 150,000 users and 1,100 sellers, 20% of whom were based in Germany.
• $30 million worth of drugs sold via the platform, including fentanyl and synthetic opioids.
• 49 blockchain addresses linked to Parsarad identified for sanctions and asset tracking.
• Treasury warns Parsarad is trying to establish a new darknet marketplace with former Nemesis vendors.

This marks the first action by the FBI-led Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement Team, following past crackdowns on Hydra, Genesis, Sipulitie, Empire, and other illicit marketplaces.