A Georgia doctor's murderous plot has been shut down by the feds, resulting in a sentence that will see him behind bars for the next several years. James Wan, 54, of Duluth was hit with a seven-year, three-month prison term for attempting to have his girlfriend killed, a move he tried to orchestrate through the dark web.
According to a report by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Wan took to the illegal marketplaces of the dark web with the aim of finding a hitman to take out his girlfriend. He meticulously provided details that included her name, address, and even her car information, all while making a downpayment in cryptocurrency, approximately $8,000 in Bitcoin, to get the deadly deed done.
"This defendant believed he could mask his homicidal intentions by using electronic means," U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan commented. Wan's sinister plan unraveled despite his efforts to stay hidden in the cryptic shadows of the internet's underbelly. The FBI’s timely intervention not only saved the unnamed girlfriend but also served as a potent reminder of the lengths law enforcement will go to ensure safety and justice.
"Despite his cowardly concealment on the dark web, Wan’s cold hearted murderous plot was averted due to the exceptional work of our team. He will now face the full consequences of the criminal justice system," Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta said. Wan's reliance on the anonymity offered by the dark web and cryptocurrency did little to obscure his tracks from the FBI, whose agents managed to intervene before his plan could materialize into tragic reality.
Wan's criminal activities were detailed in court, where it was revealed that he transferred additional funds after initial hiccups with the transaction. Despite Bitcoin's fluctuating value affecting his escrow account, Wan persisted, checking the status of the 'order' daily until his arrest. In an unexpected twist of conscience or fear, he canceled the order following his encounter with the FBI.
FBI special agents not only exposed Wan's dark dealings but also ensured the protection of the intended victim. Wan, who subsequently pled guilty to the charges on October 17, 2023, will also have two years of supervised release after his prison term, as detailed in a statement from the office of U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. This case highlights the pervasive shadow cast by the dark web and the ongoing battle faced by law enforcement to keep pace with the evolving digital age of crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bret R. Hobson prosecuted the case.
