FBI-encrypted apps trick organized crime - Texasnewstoday.com

Wellington – A global raid involving an encrypted communications platform developed by the FBI has caused a series of raids and arrests around the world, causing “unprecedented blows” to criminal gangs, law enforcement officials said Tuesday. Said to.

Police stormed operations in 16 countries during Operation Trojan Shield. More than 800 suspects were arrested and more than 32 tons of narcotics (cocaine, cannabis, amphetamines, methamphetamine) were seized, along with 250 firearms, 55 luxury cars, more than $ 48 million in cash and cryptocurrencies. It was.

Australian Federal Police Commander Jennifer Hurst said it was “a turning point in the history of world law enforcement.”

The operation “has an unprecedented blow to the criminal network, which is global,” said Jannine van den Berg, chief of the Dutch National Police Corps.

The seed of this operation was sown when law enforcement agencies previously brought down two encrypted platforms, EncroChat and SkyECC. This meant that criminal organizations that smuggled drugs and organized underworld hits around the world are on the market for new secure phones.

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The FBI had only what it needed. An app called ANOM installed on a modified mobile phone.

“There was a gap created by the lack of these encrypted platforms,” ​​said FBI Calvin Shivers. “Therefore, we not only develop specific tools, but also collect intelligence to bring intelligence. We have the opportunity to work with international partners to develop the process of dissemination. “

The app formed the backbone of Trojan Shield, an FBI-led operation. The operation also involved the US Drug Enforcement Administration, Europol, and law enforcement agencies in more than 12 countries.

This allowed police to monitor criminals over their shoulders as they discussed beatings, drug shipments, and other crimes.

The intelligence collected and analyzed “was able to prevent murder. It led to the seizure of drugs that led to the seizure of weapons, and it helped prevent many crimes,” Shivers said. Said.

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Earlier on Tuesday, Australian and New Zealand officials said they had hit organized crime after hundreds of criminals were tricked into using messaging apps.

Australian officials have announced that they have arrested 224 people and seized more than four tons of drugs and $ 35 million. New Zealand police said they had arrested 35 people and seized millions of dollars worth of drugs and assets.

“Today, the Australian government has hit hard against organized crime as part of a global operation,” Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters. “Not only in this country, but around the world.” Will resonate with organized crime. “

Last year, European police hit organized crime after deciphering EncroChat, an encrypted communications network used by criminal organizations on the continent.

In March, Belgian police arrested dozens of people after cracking another encrypted chat system called Sky ECC and seizing more than 17 tons of cocaine.

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Perry reported from Wellington, New Zealand.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. all rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.

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