A Virginia resident, Raheim Hamilton, 30, has entered a guilty plea in Chicago to federal charges connected to a dark web marketplace known as Empire Market. Hamilton, who co-owned and operated the platform with Thomas Pavey from 2018 to 2020, faces sentencing on June 17, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Conviction carries a potential sentence ranging from a mandatory minimum of ten years to life in federal prison.
Initial Arrest and Court Appearance
Raheim Hamilton was taken into federal custody in mid-2024 in connection with the operation of Empire Market. Following his arrest, he appeared in U.S. District Court in Chicago to face the federal charges, which included drug conspiracy related to the marketplace. The arrest marked the formal start of legal proceedings that ultimately led to his guilty plea.
Looking Back at Empire Market
Empire Market operated from 2018 to 2020 and became one of the largest dark web marketplaces of its time. At its peak, the platform facilitated over four million transactions valued at more than $430 million, covering a wide range of digital and physical goods. While the marketplace ultimately ended in an exit scam, its operational model, use of cryptocurrency, and global user base left a notable footprint in the evolution of online marketplaces. Empire Market continues to be referenced in discussions of dark web infrastructure and the broader history of digital commerce, illustrating both its reach and the risks inherent in these platforms.
Empire Market Operations
Empire Market facilitated millions of transactions between vendors and buyers during its operational period. The platform processed over four million transactions valued at more than $430 million, according to court records. Products and services available on the site included controlled substances, compromised account credentials, stolen personal identification information, counterfeit currency, and tools for digital activities. Drug sales accounted for the majority of the marketplace’s revenue, totaling nearly $375 million.
Cryptocurrency and Asset Forfeitures
As part of his plea agreement, Hamilton acknowledged that all transactions on Empire Market were conducted exclusively using cryptocurrency. He also agreed to forfeit a substantial portion of assets, including approximately 1,230 bitcoin, 24.4 Ether, and three real estate properties in Virginia. Pavey, 40, of Florida, previously pleaded guilty to related federal charges and is awaiting sentencing. His forfeitures include roughly 1,584 bitcoin, two boxes of gold bars, three vehicles, and multiple real estate properties in Florida.
Court Proceedings
Hamilton’s guilty plea follows federal investigation and court filings detailing the design and operation of the platform. Both Hamilton and Pavey acknowledged their involvement in structuring Empire Market to facilitate the privacy of transactions conducted on the site. The case is scheduled for further proceedings leading up to sentencing, with the Northern District of Illinois handling the federal charges.
Conclusion
Even years after Empire Market ceased operations, the legal consequences for those involved are still unfolding. Raheim Hamilton’s guilty plea underscores that activity on past dark web marketplaces can have lasting effects, with federal authorities continuing to pursue cases tied to transactions that occurred years ago. As sentencing approaches in 2026, the case serves as a reminder that the reach of these marketplaces and their associated networks extends well beyond their period of activity, leaving a legacy that continues to influence both legal proceedings and the broader understanding of user opsec.
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