Criminal Messaging App MATRIX Crumbles: Europol’s Passionflower Operation Strikes Again!
Europol announced a takedown of the invite-only MATRIX messaging service, a criminal communication hub. Authorities intercepted over 2.3 million messages linked to serious crimes. MATRIX users paid hefty fees for encrypted phones, but now, with global arrests and server seizures, it’s clear crime doesn’t pay—unless you count those hefty subscription fees!
Hot Take:
If criminals spent as much time and effort on legitimate businesses as they do on creating encrypted messaging services and cybercrime marketplaces, they might just solve world hunger or, at the very least, create the next viral app that isn’t a crime magnet!
Key Points:
- Europol dismantled an invite-only encrypted messaging service called MATRIX, used by criminals.
- The operation, named Passionflower, intercepted 2.3 million messages in 33 languages.
- MATRIX had 8,000 global users, charging up to $1,700 in cryptocurrency for services.
- Germany’s BKA shut down Crimenetwork, a major cybercrime platform, arresting one administrator.
- South Korea arrested six individuals for adding malicious DDoS features to satellite receivers.
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