Binance Helps India Freeze Assets of Dismantled Darknet Drug Ring

India's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has dismantled the alleged 'Team Kalki' darknet drug network, thanks in part to blockchain intelligence from Binance and the Data Security Council of India. The investigation helped authorities trace illicit crypto transactions, freeze cryptocurrency assets, and disrupt the group's financial network.

The case shows how public transaction records can expose financial trails linked to encrypted criminal networks. Team Kalki allegedly used cryptocurrency, encrypted messaging platforms, and anonymous online marketplaces to hide its activities across India. But investigators said its blockchain activity exposed a financial trail.

Binance revealed details of the investigation on July 22, describing how its investigations team worked with the NCB and DSCI. According to Binance, investigators traced crypto flows, identified connected wallets, and froze assets during the operation.