Dark Web Operations Team
The Dark Web Operations Team is part of a nationally coordinated network of teams investigating dark web markets and the trade of illicit goods such as drugs, firearms, and items used in fraud and other criminality.
Our services
The Dark Web Operations Team:
- provide national and international de-confliction to identify other linked investigations within law enforcement, preventing duplication of efforts or operational compromise
- advise and guide on investigations linked to the dark web
- run intelligence checks of suspect identifiers to establish whether a dark web presence exists
- help capture evidential material from the dark web
- access data held by other agencies and from other sources that may assist in establishing real-world identities of dark market subjects
Who can use our services?
- All police staff, officers and ROCU investigators
We are keen to offer initial advice on how our capabilities and other partners may be able to assist your investigation. Bids for capabilities then need to be taken to your Force Tasking meeting.
How to request services
Our Gateway, within the Regional Intelligence Unit can provide more information about this service:
- by phone – 01278 647 299
- by email – swrocugateway@avonandsomerset.police.uk
The Regional Intelligence Unit is available:
- Monday to Friday 08:00 – 22:00
- Weekends 08:00 – 16:30
For complex or resource-intensive requests, or requests for sensitive tactics, you will be asked to complete the BID Capability Form. Please refer to the Tasking Procedural Guidance about this process.
For urgent, out-of-hours enquires, call 01278 647 299 and the number will divert to the on-call SWROCU officer.