The Underworld Podcast The Rise and Fall of the Dark Web Fentanyl King
Aug 6, 2024
Mohammed Alaa Allawi, a former US military interpreter turned darknet drug lord, shares his rollercoaster journey from designing websites to making millions selling counterfeit pills infused with deadly fentanyl. He humorously recounts eccentric encounters with shady characters while revealing the dark web's complex e-commerce evolution. Alaa discusses the risk of a Marine overdose that ignited a massive investigation, his perilous experiences in Iraq, and the tragic consequences of the ongoing fentanyl crisis on communities.
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From Interpreter to Kingpin
- Muhammad Alaa Allawi, an Iraqi interpreter for the US Army, built a dark web drug empire.
- He lived lavishly, partying in Las Vegas with celebrities like Lil Wayne.
Early Life and Immigration
- Allawi, a skilled interpreter and hacker, created a successful dating site in Iraq.
- He immigrated to the US in 2012, seeking a better life but facing financial struggles.
Struggles and Turning to Crime
- Allawi struggled financially after his US arrival, resorting to selling drugs.
- He faced eviction and legal trouble, but his tech skills offered new opportunities.