US Charges Suspected Admin Behind Darknet Marketplace Dream Market Arrested in Germany
Alleged Dark Web Marketplace Administrator Indicted on Money Laundering Charges
Owe Martin Andresen, 49, has been indicted in the United States on charges related to international money laundering, carrying a potential sentence of up to 20 years per count.
Criminal Charges and Penalties
- 6 counts of international concealment money laundering, punishable by up to 20 years in prison
- 6 counts of domestic money laundering, punishable by up to 5 years in prison
Andresen was also arrested in Germany under separate charges of domestic money laundering.
Investigation Findings
According to investigators, Andresen accessed dormant cryptocurrency wallets containing millions of dollars in commission payments from the marketplace, transferring them into new wallets in November and December 2022.
He allegedly used these funds to purchase gold bars from international companies, directing them to be shipped to his home address in Germany.
Seized Assets and Evidence
- $1.7 million in gold bars recovered during searches of Andresen’s residence and two other locations
- $23,000 in cash seized during the search
- Evidence of bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets holding approximately $1.2 million in suspected marketplace proceeds
This case is part of a larger effort by the US Department of Justice to prosecute individuals involved in the operation of dark web marketplaces.
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