International Police Dismantle Encrypted Criminal Messaging Network 'Matrix'

The sophisticated platform, linked to organized crime, was infiltrated by French and Dutch authorities, leading to arrests and seizures across Europe.

The encrypted messaging service 'Matrix' was used by at least 8,000 users for criminal activities, including drug and arms trafficking and money laundering.
Authorities intercepted and deciphered over 2.3 million messages in 33 languages during a three-month operation, providing critical evidence for ongoing investigations.
The network was discovered in 2021 on the phone of a suspect linked to the murder of Dutch journalist Peter R. de Vries, prompting a multi-year investigation.
A joint task force involving French, Dutch, Spanish, and Lithuanian authorities dismantled 40 servers in France and Germany and arrested five suspects, including the alleged operator of the platform.
Seized assets included €145,000 in cash, €500,000 in cryptocurrency, four luxury vehicles, a €15 million villa, and 970 encrypted phones used for the service.