European authorities have dismantled Matrix, an encrypted messaging app designed for criminal activities, Europol announced. Matrix operated as an invitation-only service with 40 servers across multiple countries.
Discovered on a murder suspect’s phone in 2021, Matrix charged €1,300 to €1,600 for a six-month subscription. Subscribers accessed features like video calls, anonymous internet use, and transaction tracking.
For three months, authorities intercepted and monitored Matrix, decoding over 2.3 million messages in 33 languages. Europol stated these communications were linked to major crimes, including drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and money laundering.
The takedown involved law enforcement agencies from the Netherlands, France, Lithuania, Italy, and Spain. Authorities seized €145,000 in cash and €500,000 in cryptocurrencies during the operation.
Increasingly Complex Criminal Networks
Europol noted criminals use both legitimate encrypted platforms and specialized cybercriminal services. Recent years have seen the dismantling of similar apps like Ghost, Exclu, and EncroChat.
Dutch police highlighted the shift to smaller providers using advanced technologies, misleading criminals into believing their activities remain secret.
The Matrix operation spanned four countries. Authorities made arrests in France and Spain, conducted searches in Lithuania, and dismantled the main servers in France and Germany.
