Technical Documentation

BlackOps operates as a decentralized, privacy-first marketplace built exclusively on the Monero (XMR) blockchain. Our infrastructure utilizes V3 onion services on the Tor network to ensure anonymity for both vendors and buyers. The platform architecture minimizes data retention, employing ephemeral messaging systems and automated data purging routines to protect user identities. We function as a neutral escrow service, facilitating trustless commerce in a hostile network environment.

Access is restricted to Tor-authenticated connections via verifiable .onion addresses. To mitigate Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, BlackOps employs a distributed mirror system with automated load balancing. Users must connect using the Tor Browser. Our primary entry node is yjqgwd5iqoog6s2xazggwu4iyjocziijdcixqlwh5e6vjbks63ojd6yd.onion. Always cross-reference the URL in your browser bar with the PGP-signed mirror list available on our Links page to ensure connection integrity.

We employ a hybrid wallet system. While each user is assigned an internal wallet for operational speed, the majority of market liquidity is held in cold storage (offline hardware wallets) to nullify theft risks. We also offer an "Auto-Sweep" configuration, allowing vendors to automatically forward settled funds to external addresses, minimizing the time funds remain in market custody.

Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) is the standard for securing communications. BlackOps enforces PGP usage to eliminate the risk of server-side data leaks. All shipping addresses must be encrypted with the vendor's public key. Furthermore, account actions such as password resets, withdrawal address changes, and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) logins require cryptographic signatures. This ensures that even if a password is compromised, the account remains secure without the private key.

Users should operate from a hardened operating system such as Tails OS or Whonix, which route all traffic through Tor by default. JavaScript should be set to "Safer" or "Safest" in the Tor Browser. Avoid using VPNs in conjunction with Tor unless you possess advanced networking knowledge, as this can introduce new attack vectors. Never utilize mobile devices for market operations.

Bitcoin and other transparent ledger cryptocurrencies are unsuitable for privacy-focused commerce due to chain analysis surveillance. Monero obfuscates the sender (Ring Signatures), receiver (Stealth Addresses), and transaction amount (RingCT). This creates a fungible, opaque ledger where transactions cannot be linked to user identities, aligning with our core privacy mandate.

To protect the market ledger from reorganization and double-spend attacks, incoming Monero deposits require 10 network confirmations before crediting. With an average block time of 2 minutes, the settlement period is approximately 20 to 40 minutes. Users should monitor their transaction ID on a blockchain explorer (via Tor) to track confirmation status.

Upon order placement, funds are transferred from the buyer's wallet to a secure escrow container. The vendor is notified to ship the product. Funds remain locked until the buyer confirms receipt ("Finalize Order") or the auto-finalization timer expires. The standard timer is 14 days for physical goods and 48 hours for digital items. This system protects buyers from non-delivery and vendors from non-payment.

Finalize Early is a privilege granted to high-volume, high-reputation vendors (Metrics: 300+ sales, >98% positive feedback). FE listings bypass the escrow holding period, releasing funds to the vendor immediately upon dispatch marking. Buyers should exercise caution and reserve FE transactions for vendors with established trust levels, as escrow protection is waived.

If an order is not delivered or is defective, the buyer may initiate a dispute before the auto-finalization timer expires. This action freezes the escrow release. A moderator is assigned to review the transaction logs, shipping proofs, and encrypted communications. The moderator issues a binding decision: full refund to buyer, full release to vendor, or a percentage split.

Vendor status requires the payment of a security bond to deter malicious actors. We offer both a subscription model (lower bond, monthly fee) and a lifetime bond (one-time payment). Applicants must demonstrate PGP proficiency and agree to the Prohibited Items Policy. Bond funds are held in a separate cold wallet and may be used to compensate buyers in the event of an exit scam.

BlackOps utilizes a progressive fee schedule to incentivize high volume. Base commission is 4%, decreasing to 2% for Elite tier vendors. Fees are calculated and deducted only upon successful order finalization (Aftercare Commission Model). There are no fees for account creation, deposits, or browsing.

Account recovery is only possible if a PGP public key was associated with the account prior to credential loss. Users can decrypt a challenge message to reset their password. If the password, PIN, and mnemonic seed are lost and no PGP key is attached, the account is cryptographically inaccessible. Support staff cannot override this security protocol.