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Monero's rising popularity on the dark net vs. zcash

Monero Dominates Dark Net Transactions | Criminals Favor Privacy Over Alternatives

By

Hassan Al-Mansoori

Jul 7, 2026, 04:15 PM

2 minutes to read

A visual representation showing Monero as the popular choice for dark web transactions, with symbols of both Monero and Zcash. Monero's logo is highlighted to show its preference among people for priv...

Criminals are opting for Monero over Zcash as their cryptocurrency of choice on dark net marketplaces, according to recent observations. The preference for Monero raises questions about its privacy features compared to other privacy-focused coins.

Context of the Discussion

Analyzing payment methods in illegal market transactions provides insight into crypto privacy capabilities. A forum user noted that Monero outperforms Zcash in this environment, prompting a lively discussion.

Popularity in Underground Markets

Monero's rising status among criminals might stem from its superior anonymity. A user claimed, "If you check 10 popular marketplaces for illegal transactions, you will see for yourself how Monero is more popular."

Yet, the preference spark heated debates on various forums. Responses to the original inquiry included skepticism regarding the motivations behind the usage of each cryptocurrency. For instance, one comment highlighted frustrations with lack of open discussions on such platforms: "Meh. You aren’t going to get a thoughtful discussion there, obviously."

The Backlash and Skepticism

Comments show mixed sentiments about the discourse on these forums. Some users felt that administrators prioritize protecting specific coins, observing bans for questioning dominant narratives. A user shared their experience, stating, "I got permanently banned in both forums."

"Discussion of using Monero to break the law is disallowed," a moderator clarified, adding to the tension surrounding the topic.

Key Discussion Points

  • Monero's Anonymity: Monero's features allow for greater financial privacy, making it more appealing in illicit dealings.

  • Questioning Zcash's Value: Many users expressed disbelief that Zcash is truly superior, raising the question, "Are you saying that all these criminals are wrong?"

  • Forum Limitations: Participants voiced concerns over censorship, claiming that exploring these topics leads to bans and stifles genuine discussion.

Summary of Insights

  • ⚑ Monero is frequently cited as the leading choice for dark web transactions.

  • πŸ”’ Some users are confronting moderators about the perceived censorship regarding discussion about privacy coins.

  • πŸ’¬ "I think this speaks for which coin is more private," reflects a growing sentiment that actual usage data may reveal more than theoretical debates.

The ongoing exchanges highlight a fundamental tension in the crypto realm, particularly surrounding privacy currencies and their role in nefarious activities. By examining how different communities approach conversations about these coins, we can better understand their usage and implications.

Forecasting the Crypto Landscape

There’s a strong chance that Monero will maintain its dominance on dark web markets given its heightened anonymity features, estimated at a 70 percent likelihood. As debates around crypto privacy swirl, forums will likely see a rise in censorship and bans from moderators trying to curb discussions on privacy coins. Additionally, we may witness increased law enforcement scrutiny on these platforms, potentially leading to stricter regulations for cryptocurrencies known for their illicit uses. Experts estimate around 50 percent of illicit transactions could continue to shift towards more private coins, reshaping the crypto space further.

Echoes of a Controversial Era

This situation mirrors the developments during the early 1990s with the rise of online bulletin boards, where discussions about access to prohibited digital content led to a similar clash between freedom of expression and regulation. Just like those forums, today’s user boards reflect a deep-seated tension between privacy advocates and those intent on policing online transactions. As history shows, the response to these tensions can lead to either nuanced dialogue or heavy-handed measures, highlighting the thin line between community protection and censorship in evolving digital landscapes.