Law enforcement agencies have successfully taken down MATRIX, an invite-only encrypted messaging service used by criminals. Key highlights of the operation include:

Operation Details:
– Joint French-Dutch operation codenamed Passionflower
– Investigation began in 2021 following a murder case
– Intercepted 2.3 million messages in 33 languages
– Service used for drug trafficking, arms dealing, and money laundering

MATRIX Infrastructure:
– 8,000 global users
– Subscription cost: $1,360-$1,700 in cryptocurrency
– Included modified Google Pixel phones
– 40+ servers across multiple countries
– Features: video calls, anonymous browsing, transaction tracking

Operation Results:
– Three arrests in France and Spain
– Seized: €145,000 cash, €500,000 in cryptocurrency, 970 mobile phones
– Main suspect: 52-year-old Lithuanian national
– 13 properties searched across multiple countries

Related Operations:
– Germany shut down Crimenetwork marketplace with 100,000 users
– South Korean authorities arrested six individuals for implementing DDoS capabilities in satellite receivers

The operation demonstrates law enforcement’s continued success in disrupting criminal communication networks, following previous takedowns of platforms like Sky ECC and EncroChat.