An Australian woman has been taken into custody after being accused of ordering a double murder hit from the dark web.
The 26-year-old has been charged with two counts of attempted murder after authorities found evidence that she had allegedly paid $20,000 for the double homicide.
Police were initially alerted to the alleged murder plot by an international journalist.
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The reporter contacted authorities in the ACT in October and told them 'a person had made an online payment and shared details about how to target the two people'. How the journalist got that information hasn't been revealed.
After raiding an address in Canberra's south, police seized computer equipment and will allege in court that the woman was motivated by financial gain.
Acting Sergeant McMullen said: "ACT Policing acted quickly to ensure there was no threat to the safety of the victims in this matter.
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"This was a complex investigation due to the report originating overseas, and being able to track and verify the dark web payment. ACT Policing liaised with international police authorities to seek further evidence to lead to yesterday's search warrant and arrest.
"The victims also cooperated with police, and we don't believe there is an ongoing threat to their safety."
There's a lot you can do on the dark web as the sites can't be found by traditional browsers. It's a hotbed for the sale of drugs, firearms, child exploitation material, organs and other nefarious activities and objects that wouldn't normally be able to be found.
The 26-year-old woman will face the ACT Magistrates Court today (8 December).
Featured Image Credit: PA