A proxy can make it very difficult, but the Feds have pretty good tools for tracking internet traffic.    This is a very long read about The Silk Road.  Also educational.  https://www.wired.com/2015/04/silk-road-1/ https://www.wired.com/2015/05/silk-road-2/ I should read it again myself.  In light of many Q drops, I think some things would look a little different.