Family of Canadian accused of masterminding darknet site doubt allegations
MONTREAL — The family of a late Canadian man accused of masterminding the world’s leading “darknet” internet marketplace said Friday they’re having a hard time believing he was a hardened criminal.
Alexandre Cazes, 25, from Trois-Rivieres, Que. is accused of creating AlphaBay, an online marketplace that authorities say traded in illegal drugs, firearms and counterfeit goods.
Arrested by police in Thailand in early July, officials have said Cazes hanged himself while in their custody on July 12, just before a scheduled court hearing.
Authorities said they have sought the forfeiture of Cazes’ properties in Thailand, bank accounts and four vehicles, including a Lamborghini and a Porsche and said he amassed a fortune of $23 million with the creation of AlphaBay in 2014.