Hidden Online Economy explores the hidden world of the dark web and its significant impact on global economics and true crime. It examines how digital anonymity, facilitated by technologies like Tor and cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, fuels a shadow economy where illegal goods and illicit activities thrive. The book investigates the economic consequences of this hidden market, quantifying financial flows from illegal drug sales and stolen data, while also highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement in regulating this decentralized environment.

The book uniquely focuses on the economic dimensions of the dark web, providing a data-driven analysis of its market dynamics. It's structured into four parts, beginning with the history and technology of the deep web, then progressing to the illicit goods traded, the economic effects, and finally, the methods used to combat illegal activities.

By drawing connections between criminology, economics, and computer science, the book presents a comprehensive view of this complex ecosystem. It's a valuable resource for anyone seeking a plain-language understanding of one of the most intriguing and dangerous aspects of modern economics and cybercrime.