A Georgia doctor has admitted to orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot through the dark web, aiming to carry out a "cold-hearted murderous plan" to kill his girlfriend.

 Dr. James Wan, aged 54, made a series of moves on the dark web, from procuring a hitman to ensuring that the crime would be made to look like an "accident." 

Wan paid $16,000 in Bitcoin to secure the services of a hitman. The Department of Justice (DOJ) allege that after a transfer of an $8,000 down payment was lost, 

FBI agents alerted to the serious threat to Wan's girlfriend, intervened. They provided her with protection. And she was not harmed.

Wan was placed under arrest this week.

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Dark Web Conspiracy

Following his arrest, Wan did not deny his involvement in the murder-for-hire plot.

He pleaded guilty to one count of using a facility of interstate commerce in the commission of murder-for-hire. His confession is a reminder of the extent to which criminal activities can thrive in the hidden corners of the dark web.

The FBI investigators uncovered the disturbing details of Wan's activities.

 When ordering the hit he shared his girlfriend's personal information, including her name, address, Facebook account, license plate number, and a description of her car on a dark web marketplace. He even specified that the hitman could "take wallet phone and car" or "shoot and go."

As the dark web marketplace administrator signaled the intention to proceed with Wan's order, he was given a choice. He was asked if he preferred the crime to look like an accident or a typical shooting.

 Wan opted for an "accidental" death, revealing the depth of his sinister intent. He even specified that the hitman could "take wallet phone and car" or "shoot and go."

Wan continued to contact the forum to make sure his plan was moving forward. He was constantly inquiring about the progress of the hit. He questioned how soon the job would be carried out. And he offered local assistance. 

Paid for Hit with Bitcoin

Wan was so committed to the conspiracy that he topped up his account with an additional $1,200 after the Bitcoin's value dropped. 

FBI agents alerted to the serious threat to Wan's girlfriend, intervened. They provided her with protection and questioned Wan.

Wan confessed to placing the order, making payments, and persistently checking the status of the hit on the dark web marketplace. Records from his mobile phone and Bitcoin wallet were used as evidence.

U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan emphasized that Wan believed that he would be able to get away with the crime.

Keri Farley, the special agent in charge of FBI Atlanta, lauded the exceptional work of their team in averting Wan's scheme., asserting the FBI's unwavering commitment to safeguarding citizens from heinous acts of violence.

Wan's sentencing date is set for January 18, 2024, before US District Court Judge Leigh Martin May, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Bret R Hobson prosecuting the case.