Black Markets and Websites: An Abyss of Crime?

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/international-business/dark-network-of-illegal-websites-targeted-by-us-and-european-police/article21503871/

The online black market is dominant and omnipresent, troubling police and law enforcement all over the world. Recently, “An international task force of investigators pressed a series of raids and arrests on Friday in 16 countries aimed at shutting down a secret network of websites that matched anonymous sellers and buyers in a thriving black market.” A multitude of illegal items had been exchanged through this process. 

My question is what effect does this have on economic surplus and markets?

While one may think that the “dark” behind-the-scenes illegal activity have not have a direct impact on a market, but they would be wrong. I believe that if news of this type of illegal activity breaks surface and is thrown into business world, havoc could ensue, depending on how extreme the situation. Illegitimacy and corruption of this sort disrupts economies and has a negative effect on the overlaying situation. I was interested by this topic as I have been reading a book discussing the effects of black-marketing on society and how it has exponential grown and become exceedingly difficult to contain. This has a direct effect on the economy and is a direct concern to governments and financial institutions all over the world. Relating directly to ethics and a method of business that is referred to as ‘shady’. The black-market is a clear source of profit to those who engage in it, but it holds direct consequences as shown .