Kill List - Episode 5: Yura
Release Date: October 22, 2024
Host: Wondery | Novel (Carl Miller)
Introduction
In Episode 5 of Kill List, titled "Yura," tech journalist Carl Miller delves deeper into the dark underbelly of the darknet, uncovering a sophisticated murder-for-hire operation orchestrated through a secretive website. This episode explores the intricate web of deception, collaboration with federal agencies, and the relentless pursuit to unmask the mastermind behind the sinister "Kill List."
The Kill Order and Initial Investigation
The episode opens with Carl Miller receiving a new kill order targeting an individual in Knoxville, Tennessee. The nature of the request suggests a "road rage or carjacking gone wrong," with specific instructions to avoid targeting the victim at home.
Notable Quote:
Carl Miller [00:00]: "A new kill order comes in. The target lives in Knoxville, Tennessee. Would like it to be a road rage or carjacking gone wrong. Don't take the target out at home."
Miller and his team swiftly disseminate the information to their contacts, ensuring the FBI is alerted. Their prior efforts have led to significant arrests, including Ron Ilgenspakane, indicating a pattern of successful interventions.
Notable Quote:
Carl Miller [00:46]: "This time the FBI act on our warning immediately. They speed to the victim's house and arrest a suspect, her husband with another target safe."
Collaboration with the FBI
As more kill orders surface, the FBI begins to take a proactive role, offering to handle all cases both domestically and internationally. This collaboration sees a surge in arrests, garnering widespread media attention from prominent outlets like The Washington Post, The Guardian, CNN, and the BBC.
Notable Quote:
Angie Hicks [01:20]: "Investigators say this woman, Deanna Marie Stinson, tried hiring a hitman."
However, this increased attention also brings underlying tensions. Carl expresses concern over a particular individual he wishes to remain hidden—Yura, the administrator of the Hitman for Hire website.
Uncovering the Hitman Website and Yura
The narrative shifts to Yura, the elusive figure behind the murder-for-hire platform. Miller highlights the vulnerabilities in their investigation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining access to the site without alerting Yura.
Notable Quote:
Carl Miller [03:15]: "We don't know his real name, but he has an alias, Yura. It would take so little for Yura to spot just one of these news stories, and the game might be up."
Through undercover operations, the team interacts with individuals like Scott Quinn Burkett, who unknowingly communicate with an FBI agent posing as a hitman. This ruse leads to Burkett's arrest, showcasing the FBI's effective strategies.
Notable Quote:
Scott Quinn Burkett [06:41]: "Hi. You got the pictures?"
Tracing Yura's Location
Miller and his team, along with support from private investigator Kuzman—a former French Foreign Legionnaire with deep ties in Eastern European law enforcement—focus on uncovering Yura's true identity and location. Clues from hacked email accounts and Bitcoin transactions point towards Romania as a potential base of operations.
Notable Quote:
Carl Miller [26:33]: "He has a bunch of tabs open, including a Google page. On this screenshot is a clue that lets us get a fix on Jura's location. The language on all the tabs, the Google URL, they're all linked to one country. Romania."
Involvement of Kuzman and Eastern European Intelligence
Kuzman's investigation reveals the complexities of tracing Yura, especially with potential protection from state actors. Discussions with former intelligence officials suggest that Yura might be operating under the aegis of Russian authorities, who exploit cybercriminals for their purposes.
Notable Quote:
Carl Miller [30:42]: "If Yura really is a government asset, the prospect of locating him might actually become impossible."
This revelation underscores the challenges faced by Miller and his team, as they navigate the murky waters of international cybercrime and intelligence collaborations.
The FBI Meeting and Progress
On September 23rd, Carl meets with FBI agents in Times Square, New York. The agents express confidence in their strategy to take over the kill order site, bringing them closer to identifying Yura.
Notable Quote:
Carl Miller [35:56]: "They have found the server IP that is hosting his sites."
Despite initial optimism, the investigation hits a snag as the FBI transfers the case to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), leaving Miller uncertain about future developments.
Setback and Conclusion
Six months post-meeting, Miller receives distressing news from Romania—a massive police raid signals a potential breakthrough, but the timing leaves many questions unanswered. The episode concludes with unresolved tensions, setting the stage for future investigations.
Notable Quote:
Carl Miller [38:06]: "If we're going to convince the FBI to take action, we need to track down Jura's location."
Final Thoughts
Episode 5 of Kill List masterfully blends investigative journalism with real-time collaboration with law enforcement, painting a vivid picture of the challenges in combating darknet crimes. Through meticulous research and gripping narratives, Carl Miller brings listeners closer to understanding the intricate dance between investigators and elusive cybercriminals like Yura.
Credits:
- Host: Carl Miller
- Producers: Caroline Thornham, Tom Wright
- Investigative Support: Kuzman Meyer, Chris Monteiro
- Additional Research: Anik Mossou, Fuka Postma, Brenna Smith at Bellingcat
- Sound Design: Nicholas Alexander
- Executive Producers: Sean Glynn, Austin Mitchell, Max O'Brien, Craig Strachan for Novel; George Lavender, Marshall Louis, Jen Sargent for Wandery
Produced by Wondery | Novel.
For those intrigued by this episode, Kill List offers a riveting exploration of life-and-death stakes in the digital age. Subscribe to Wondery or your preferred podcast platform to stay updated on this unfolding true story.