Shanghai Police Capture Cryptocurrency Drug Dealer Li Qi

Shanghai police recently made a significant breakthrough in a drug trafficking case, utilizing modern technology to track down a post-00s drug dealer who employed cryptocurrency for "contactless" drug dealing. The investigation began when officers discovered a photograph on the phones of drug users, which depicted an inconspicuous roadside greenbelt with a red mark. By following the trail through road surveillance, police were able to identify the drug dealer.

The dealer, a man in black, was seen squatting in front of the greenbelt, digging soil to bury something, and then taking a photo of the location. Police followed his trail, digging up the soil to find the buried marijuana. This led to the identification of other drug users who had contacted the dealer through overseas messaging apps, made payments using cryptocurrency, and received photos of the buried drug locations from the dealer.

The drug dealer, Li Qi, was eventually captured. He admitted to learning this "side hustle" method from the dark web. After receiving drugs from his supplier, Li Qi would bury them in various locations and earn 50 yuan for each package. In just a few days, he buried hundreds of drug packages across 7 provinces, turning his vehicle into a "mobile drug trafficking car." Li Qi lived and ate in his car, traveling extensively to bury drugs and take location photos, which buyers would use to dig for drugs like a "treasure hunt."

Li Qi's arrest highlights the evolving methods used by drug traffickers in the digital age. The use of cryptocurrency for payments and overseas messaging apps for communication made it difficult for authorities to track transactions and communications. However, the police's use of road surveillance and digital forensics proved effective in identifying and apprehending the dealer. Li Qi is currently being lawfully prosecuted by the procuratorial organ, and further investigations into the case are ongoing.

This case underscores the importance of law enforcement adapting to new technologies and methods used by criminals. The use of cryptocurrency and the dark web for illegal activities presents unique challenges, but with the right tools and strategies, authorities can successfully combat these crimes. The arrest of Li Qi serves as a reminder that even in the digital age, law enforcement can stay one step ahead of criminals and bring them to justice.