York Police Dismantle 'Icy White North' Dark Web Crime Group

A major dark web crime group called 'Icy White North' has been dismantled by York police in Canada, marking the first time a cryptocurrency seizure from an organized crime group. The operation, dubbed Project Ghostwire, involved three Toronto-area men and two women who face 81 charges, including conspiracy to traffic a controlled substance.

The group advertised their illicit goods on the dark web, selling luxury vehicles, Rolexes, and fentanyl across Canada. A luxury Mississauga penthouse was used as the operation's base. The police seized cryptocurrency from the group, noting that it is 'incredibly difficult to seize' due to its encrypted nature.

Det. Sgt. Stephen Beale of the guns, gangs and drug enforcement unit stated that multiple passwords are required for access, and the funds can be rapidly moved. A McLaren sports car was seized as part of the operation.