Bitcoin Empire Takedown: Man Receives Seven-Year Prison Sentence for Role in Illicit Online Drug Market

Saturday 15th of March 2025 18:45:42

California Man Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Prison on Charges Related to Bitcoin-Facilitated Drug Market

A California man has been sentenced to more than seven years in prison for his role in a bitcoin-facilitated drug market, according to a report from the US Department of Justice.

Jason William Swindle, 33, of San Diego, was sentenced to 87 months in prison and three years of supervised release for operating an online marketplace that used bitcoin to facilitate the sale of drugs, including methamphetamine, heroin, and prescription opioids.

According to court documents, Swindle operated the illegal marketplace on the dark web, using the pseudonym "DoctorX" to promote his platform and facilitate drug transactions. The platform allowed users to purchase drugs using bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, and it was advertised as a secure and anonymous way to buy and sell illegal substances.

Between 2019 and 2021, Swindle's platform facilitated the sale of over 1,000 kilograms of drugs, resulting in millions of dollars in illegal revenue. The platform was also used to facilitate the sale of fake prescription drugs and other illegal goods.

Swindle was arrested in October 2021 and charged with multiple counts of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, money laundering, and drug trafficking. He pleaded guilty to the charges in January 2022.

"Swindle's illegal activities not only contributed to the opioid epidemic, but also undermined the integrity of our financial system," said US Attorney Randy Grossman. "This sentence sends a strong message that those who use cryptocurrency to facilitate illegal activity will be held accountable."

The investigation into Swindle's activities was conducted by the DEA and the IRS-CI, with assistance from the San Diego Police Department and the San Diego Sheriff's Department. The case was prosecuted by the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California.