A federal grand jury in Cleveland has indicted Behrouz Parsarad, a 36-year-old Iranian national, on multiple charges linked to the operation of Nemesis Market, a dark web marketplace. This platform hosted transactions involving illegal drugs, money laundering services, and cybercriminal activities. Parsarad, from Tehran, Iran, allegedly established Nemesis Market in March 2021. The indictment states that the market exploited the anonymity of the dark web, facilitating over 400,000 orders, which included the sale of stimulants and opioids such as fentanyl, heroin, and oxycodone.
“The allegations in this indictment span over four hundred thousand transactions involving fentanyl, other dangerous drugs, and a wide range of contraband made accessible on the darknet for more than three years,” said Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. Galeotti emphasized the collaboration with German and Lithuanian partners in bringing charges against Parsarad and seizing market infrastructure.
Acting U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik for the Northern District of Ohio commented on the stern stance against drug sales. “Anyone who tries to profit from the sale of illegal drugs - whether it’s on the streets or online – will face consequences,” said Skutnik.
Charles Johnston, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Cleveland, highlighted the case's significance: “This indictment, made possible by the assistance of our German and Lithuanian allies, underscores the importance of global partnerships and international collaboration.”
According to the indictment, Parsarad faces charges for conspiracy and distribution of controlled substances and running a money laundering operation using cryptocurrencies to disguise illegal transactions. On March 20, 2024, international cooperation led to the seizure of Nemesis Market. The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions against Parsarad, noting the platform facilitated $30 million in drug sales from 2021 to 2024.
If found guilty, Parsarad could serve a minimum of 10 years or a maximum life sentence. The investigation is being conducted by the FBI Cleveland Division with assistance from other federal investigation bodies.
The prosecution is headed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Segev Phillips and Trial Attorney Gaelin Bernstein, with backing from other U.S. Attorney's Offices. This case is part of an FBI-led initiative to combat opioid-related dark web activities, involving collaboration with international law enforcement.
All charges remain allegations, and Parsarad is presumed innocent until proven guilty.