Warning: This article contains descriptions of sexual assault, drug-facilitated assault, and other sensitive topics that some readers may find distressing. Reader discretion is advised.
Our Head of Intelligence at Nominis.io has uncovered a disturbing Telegram group, managed by a meticulously engineered black market operation based in China, selling date rape drugs to buyers worldwide.
This group advertises numerous products for sale including various date rape drugs, ‘obedient water’, and aphrodisiacs, while describing their rapid onset and prolonged effects. They go so far as to claim that their products evade detection, even if victims seek or receive medical treatment immediately after being drugged. Payments are accepted via USDT, AliPay and WeChat, demonstrating how cryptocurrency has become a key tool for facilitating illicit transactions for black market operations.
The most alarming product available for purchase is their date rape drug packaged as chewing gum, specifically designed to induce rapid unconsciousness in its victims. While we refrain from reproducing the more graphic operational details, the intent is clear: these products are being sold in order to incapacitate victims for coercive and exploitative criminal purposes.
Admin’s Step-by-Step Guide
The admin of the Telegram group reportedly offers use cases for potential buyers, illustrating how easily their date rape drugs can be deployed.. For instance, they outline a tactic for taxi drivers: ‘many drivers keep it on hand, sometimes picking up female white-collar workers’, then advise that the chewing gum be offered after taking detours. The admin goes on, ‘they can then drive to a remote area and assault the victim in the car’, the most disturbing aspect of this Telegram group is the brazen, almost casual way such predatory behaviour is discussed and normalised. The admin writes, with an almost reassuring tone to their customers, ‘even going directly to the hospital after waking up will not detect it’.
Further Developments
This discovery is now part of a broader investigation by the Nominis Intelligence Unit. The same Chinese black market operation, which manages this Telegram group, also runs nationwide escort services, offers an extensive selection of hidden pinhole cameras for sale, and access to a hotel surveillance group where pinhole cameras are used to secretly live broadcast and record inside of hotel rooms. The broader investigation reveals a multifaceted illicit operation leveraging encrypted platforms and crypto payments to reach customers globally.
The Growth of Date Rape Drugs Online
Online availability of such substances has skyrocketed in recent years, which as a result has driven the increase of spiking attacks. Police in the United Kingdom have seen a staggering 261% increase in reported cases of spiking between 2019 and 2024. The report also notes that the statistic does not take into account unreported incidents, and of course, where victims were unaware of the spiking occurrence.
The ease of cross-border transactions and the use of cryptocurrency allows sellers of such drugs to operate with minimal oversight, creating significant risk to public safety.
Crypto Compliance Implications
This case underscores the critical role of Know Your Transaction (KYT) protocols. Funds connected to illicit drug sales, especially those intended to facilitate sexual assault, can pass through exchanges undetected if they lack robust monitoring. Compliance teams and fintech firms must remain vigilant to detect and block such high-risk wallets, ensuring that crypto is not inadvertently enabling criminal activity.
The sale of date rape drugs via encrypted messaging platforms represents a clear threat to individuals off-chain, in the real world. At Nominis, we combine on-chain analysis along with the execution of highly comprehensive investigations to collect valuable intelligence, identify high-risk wallets, prevent illicit financing, and protect legitimate users from unwittingly being linked to dangerous actors and black market operations.
This investigation is ongoing, and future updates will cover the other products and services offered by this black market operation, highlighting the evolving tactics of criminals within the crypto ecosystem.
All research content and accompanying reports are provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional advice. Accessing these materials does not create any professional relationship or duty of care. Readers are encouraged to consult appropriately qualified professionals for guidance. We uphold the highest standards of accuracy in all the information we provide. For any questions or feedback, please contact us at contact@nominis.io.
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