Empire Market Co-Founder Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Conspiracy Charges
Empire Market co-creator Raheim Hamilton (aka “Sydney”/“Zero Angel”) pleaded guilty in U.S. federal court in Chicago to a drug conspiracy charge tied to operating the dark web marketplace from 2018–2020. Prosecutors said the Tor-hidden service facilitated over 4 million transactions totaling more than $430 million, primarily illegal drug sales (~$375 million), and also enabled sales of stolen credentials, personal data, counterfeit currency, and hacking tools; Hamilton admitted the platform was designed to evade law enforcement and launder proceeds via cryptocurrency-only payments.
Hamilton and co-defendant Thomas Pavey (aka “Dopenugget”) were previously charged for running the market and allegedly had earlier involvement selling counterfeit currency on AlphaBay before launching Empire Market. Reporting indicates law enforcement conducted undercover purchases (including heroin and methamphetamine), and the investigation resulted in significant cryptocurrency seizures (reported at ~$75 million) and forfeiture commitments including Bitcoin, Ether, and property; Hamilton faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, with sentencing scheduled for June 17, 2026.
Timeline
Jun 17, 2026
Hamilton sentencing scheduled for June 2026
Following his guilty plea, Raheim Hamilton's sentencing was set for June 17, 2026. The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison.
Jan 29, 2026
Raheim Hamilton pleads guilty in Empire Market case
Raheim Hamilton, identified as a co-founder and operator of Empire Market, pleaded guilty in Chicago to a federal drug conspiracy charge. He admitted the marketplace was designed to evade law enforcement and launder proceeds through cryptocurrency, and agreed to forfeit significant cryptocurrency holdings and properties.
Jun 1, 2024
Federal charges filed against alleged Empire Market operators
U.S. prosecutors filed federal charges in June 2024 against Raheim Hamilton and Thomas Pavey for their alleged roles in creating and operating Empire Market. The case centered on a drug conspiracy tied to facilitating large-scale illicit commerce on the marketplace.
Dec 31, 2020
U.S. investigators conduct undercover purchases and seize assets
During the federal investigation into Empire Market, U.S. authorities made undercover purchases on the platform and seized substantial criminal proceeds. Reported seizures included about $75 million in cryptocurrency at the time of seizure, as well as cash and precious metals.
Jan 1, 2018
Empire Market operates as a major dark web marketplace
Empire Market operated from 2018 to 2020 as a Tor-hidden dark web marketplace and allegedly processed more than four million transactions worth over $430 million. Most sales involved illegal drugs, though the site also offered stolen credentials, personal data, counterfeit currency, and hacking tools.
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