Europol Dismantles Encrypted Messaging Service 'Matrix'
In a significant operation on December 3, 2024, Europol and Eurojust announced the dismantling of 'Matrix', an encrypted messaging service used by criminal organizations, including the notorious Dutch Mocro Maffia. This service, which boasted around 8,000 users and offered communications in 33 languages, was designed to facilitate international drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and money laundering. The operation involved a coordinated effort from law enforcement agencies across France, Spain, Germany, and Lithuania.
Arrests and Seizures During the Operation
The crackdown led to the arrest of three individuals, including one in Paris and two in Marbella, Spain. Authorities seized a villa valued at 15 million euros, four luxury vehicles, 145,000 euros in cash, and 500,000 euros in cryptocurrencies. Additionally, 970 encrypted phones and approximately 40 servers, primarily located in France and Germany, were taken offline. The investigation revealed that the Matrix service was more complex than previous platforms like EncroChat and Sky ECC, making it a significant target for law enforcement.
The Impact of Matrix's Dismantling on Criminal Networks
The dismantling of Matrix is part of a broader strategy to combat organized crime in Europe. Since the discovery of the service in 2021, following the murder of journalist Peter R. de Vries, investigators have been monitoring communications for over three months. The operation has highlighted the ongoing challenge of encrypted messaging services, as criminals often shift to new platforms once one is compromised. Europol officials noted that this is not the first successful infiltration of criminal communications and will likely not be the last, as they continue to adapt to law enforcement tactics.
