#Two Suspects Arrested in Romania in Investigation into ‘Murder for Hire’ Dark Web Site

A joint operation between Eastern Region Special Operations Unit and Romanian Police leads to arrests and significant asset seizures.

#Investigation Background

Two suspects, aged 33 and 35, have been arrested in Romania as part of an investigation into a fake 'murder for hire' dark web site used by a woman from King's Lynn in 2022.

#The Dark Web Site

The site, called Online Killers Marketplace, claimed to offer services including hiring hitmen and extortion. However, none of the services offered were genuine.

#Previous Case

Helen Hewlett, 44, used the site in 2022 to attempt to hire a hitman to kill her former colleague, Paul Belton, after their fling ended. Hewlett was arrested in August 2022 and later jailed for seven and a half years for soliciting murder and stalking Belton. She had paid Bitcoin worth £20,547 into a Escrow account linked to the site, in an attempt to hire a hitman.

#Recent Operation

An investigation into the Online Killers Marketplace led to search warrants being carried out by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) and the Romanian Police Cybercrime Unit on January 14. The search warrants were carried out at three properties in Bucharest and Ramnicu Valcea, and were supported by partner agencies including the National Crime Agency and Europol.

#Seizures

The operation resulted in the seizure of:

• US cryptocurrency worth at least $600,000
• Cash, including almost 50,000 euros
• Romanian currency worth around £48,000

#Current Status

The suspects are currently released under investigation in Romania, subject to further enquiries and charging decisions.

#Statement from Detective Chief Inspector

ERSOU officials say they are continuing to work with international partners to take down network infrastructure connected to the site. Detective Chief Inspector Mike Pereira said the operation was a result of "coordinated efforts between our cyber, dark web and digital forensics teams, the NCA, and Europol".

#Key Points

• Two suspects arrested in Romania in connection with a fake 'murder for hire' dark web site
• Site used by Helen Hewlett, who was jailed for seven and a half years for soliciting murder and stalking
• Significant assets seized, including cryptocurrency and cash
• Investigation ongoing, with suspects released under investigation in Romania