1) How do I access the darknet?
2) How do I use it safely, since I wouldn't want malicious users to exploit my machine.
3) How do I find the information I need there. I need to write on cyber crimes and hacking attempts, possibly before they happen...
While I cannot tell what exactly your client expects from you, if I were you, I would suggest they find another person to complete the job.
Absolutely the one that really knowledgeable and does not have any opportunities to go sideways .
Darknet is very new to many even this runs for long time now..