A Canberra woman has been charged with attempting to organise the murder of her parents on the dark web.
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The 26-year-old is accused of agreeing to pay $20,000 for the contract killings, and contributing $6000 towards the sum.
Police allege she was motivated by financial gain.
Detectives launched their investigation in October after receiving a tip-off from a journalist in the United Kingdom, who claimed the woman had made an online payment and shared details about her two targets.
Police believe the website was fraudulent but the woman's intentions were genuine.
Officers arrested the woman on Monday and seized a computer from her ACT property.
She faced court on Tuesday charged with two counts each of attempted murder and inciting murder, one count of burglary and another of theft.
The woman did not apply for bail and will return to court later this month.
Acting Sergeant Beth McMullen said no harm had come to her parents.
"They were unaware that this had happened and they cooperated fully with us," she told reporters outside court.
"The victims were very shocked and understandably concerned."
No one else is expected to be charged in relation to the investigation, which was conducted in collaboration with international police.
Australian Associated Press
