Dark web site Black Hand shut down by France

PARIS - Agence France-Presse

The French authorities have closed down one of the most important "Dark Web" sites dealing in drugs, guns and false identity documents after a massive operation, a top official said June 16.

The "Black Hand" site, accessible only with special software, was broken up and its chief administrator and several other people arrested, public accounts minister Gerald Darminin said in a statement.

Four suspects were being questioned June 16 in the northeastern French city of Lille.

As well as equipment, false identity documents and some cash, officials also gained access to the Black Hand server and its stored data.

Darminin said more than 3,000 people used the site, "which confirms the very active nature of this French site".