By: Tracie Carter
A German national living in Colombia has been extradited to the United States to face federal charges related to his alleged role in operating a major dark web marketplace, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer.
Federal authorities said Patrick Schmitz, 37, of Taganga, Colombia, was previously indicted by a grand jury in the District of New Jersey on an eight-count indictment that was unsealed this week.
Schmitz was arrested in Colombia in June 2024 following a U.S. provisional arrest request and was extradited on April 29, 2026.
He made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cari Fais, where he was detained pending trial.
According to officials, Schmitz is accused of owning and operating “The Versus Project,” also known as Versus, a large-scale online marketplace on the dark web that allegedly enabled users to buy and sell illegal goods.
Authorities said the platform operated from approximately November 2019 through May 2022 and amassed more than 380,000 registered users, over 32,000 product listings, and facilitated more than 300,000 transactions valued in the millions of dollars.
Prosecutors allege the marketplace functioned similarly to a traditional e-commerce platform, allowing users to create accounts, browse listings, and conduct transactions.
However, the platform allegedly specialized in illegal goods and services, including narcotics, fraudulent identification documents, counterfeit currency, malware, and hacking tools.
Investigators say Schmitz was a co-founder of the operation and managed its day-to-day activities, including reviewing vendor applications, resolving disputes, and overseeing staff.
He is also accused of promoting the platform, recruiting vendors, and developing strategies to generate revenue, including collecting commissions on transactions conducted through the site.
Authorities further allege that transactions on the platform were conducted exclusively using digital currencies such as Bitcoin and Monero, allowing users to bypass traditional financial systems and anti-money laundering safeguards.
Schmitz is charged with multiple offenses, including engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, narcotics conspiracy, conspiracy to import controlled substances, and distribution of controlled substances via the internet. 
The most serious charges carry potential penalties ranging from mandatory minimum sentences of 10 to 20 years in federal prison up to life imprisonment.
The case remains ongoing.