December 4, 2024 at 07:42AM
Europol announced the takedown of the criminal messaging service MATRIX, following a joint operation with French and Dutch authorities. Over 2.3 million messages linked to serious crimes were intercepted. Concurrently, Germany’s BKA shut down the Crimenetwork marketplace, while South Korea arrested six for adding DDoS capabilities to satellite receivers.
### Meeting Takeaways
**1. Takedown of MATRIX Messaging Service:**
– Europol announced the takedown of the encrypted messaging service MATRIX, which was used for criminal activities.
– The operation, named Passionflower, was conducted by French and Dutch authorities following an investigation initiated in 2021.
– Authorities intercepted over 2.3 million messages related to serious crimes, including drug trafficking and money laundering.
**2. Service Details:**
– MATRIX is distinct from the open-source app (matrix.org) and offered features like video calls and anonymous internet browsing.
– It had approximately 8,000 global user accounts, with subscriptions costing between $1,360 and $1,700.
**3. Arrests and Seizures:**
– Three arrests were made (one in France and two in Spain), along with searches of 13 properties across multiple countries.
– Seized assets included €145,000 in cash, €500,000 in cryptocurrency, four vehicles, and over 970 mobile phones.
**4. Impact on Criminal Communication:**
– Europol noted a shift in the encrypted communication landscape following the takedown of multiple services, as criminals are now using less-established and custom-built tools.
– Law enforcement remains proactive about adapting to new technologies used by criminals.
**5. Crimenetwork Marketplace Shutdown:**
– Germany’s BKA has dismantled Crimenetwork, the largest German-speaking cybercrime marketplace, arresting a key administrator.
– The platform had over 100,000 users and conducted transactions worth over $100 million from 2018 to 2024, primarily for illegal goods.
**6. South Korean DDoS Arrests:**
– Six individuals were arrested in South Korea for adding DDoS attack capabilities to satellite receivers, affecting 240,000 units through disguised updates.
**7. Conclusion:**
– Law enforcement agencies are increasingly successful in disrupting sophisticated criminal operations globally.
– The developments highlight ongoing challenges and adaptations in the fight against cybercrime and criminal communication networks.