Two suspects have been arrested in Romania as part of an international investigation into a fraudulent dark web "murder for hire" website that was used by a King's Lynn woman who attempted to have a former colleague killed in 2022.
Helen Hewlett paid more than £17,000 in cryptocurrency through the Online Killers Marketplace, believing she was hiring a hitman to kill Paul Belton after their workplace fling ended. The 44-year-old was later sentenced to seven and a half years in prison after being convicted of soliciting murder and stalking.
The site never actually provided any of the criminal services it advertised, but police forces have successfully prosecuted multiple individuals who attempted to use it for violent purposes, while safeguarding intended victims around the world.
Coordinated Raids Across Romania
On January 14, the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit worked alongside Romania's Police Cybercrime Unit to execute simultaneous search warrants at three properties in Bucharest and Ramnicu Valcea. The operation also received support from the National Crime Agency and Europol.
Investigators seized cryptocurrency valued at more than $600,000, along with nearly 50,000 euros in cash and additional Romanian currency worth approximately £48,000.
The two suspects, aged 33 and 35, have been released under investigation in Romania while authorities pursue further enquiries and charging decisions.
The Hewlett Case
Norfolk Police first became aware of Hewlett's activities in August 2022 after discovering a post on the site requesting "someone to kill in Norfolk" with instructions that "it was vital that it looks like an accident."
Hewlett had previously worked alongside Belton at Hain Daniels food factory and Kinnerton Confectionery in Fakenham before their relationship deteriorated.
At Norwich Crown Court, she received a total sentence of 12.5 years, comprising seven and a half years in custody plus five years on extended licence, with a concurrent three-month sentence for stalking.
Ongoing Investigation
ERSOU says work continues with international partners to dismantle the remaining network infrastructure connected to the website.
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Pereira described the case as "complex and far-reaching," crediting the coordinated efforts between cyber, dark web, and digital forensics teams across multiple agencies for enabling authorities to take action against those suspected of running the operation.
