Europol takes down encrypted messaging service ‘designed by criminals for criminals’

European authorities have dismantled a sophisticated encrypted messaging app called Matrix, allegedly designed ‘by criminals for criminals,’ according to Europol. Discovered on the phone of a suspect involved in the 2021 murder of a Dutch journalist, Matrix was accessible by invitation only, hosted on 40 servers across multiple countries, and provided features like anonymous internet access, video calls, and transaction tracking. Subscription costs ranged from €1,300 to €1,600 for six months.

During a three-month investigation, authorities intercepted and analysed over 2.3 million messages exchanged on the platform in 33 languages. These communications revealed links to major crimes, including international drug and arms trafficking, as well as money laundering. The operation, led by law enforcement in the Netherlands, France, Lithuania, Italy, and Spain, resulted in the seizure of €145,000 in cash and half a million euros in cryptocurrency.

This takedown follows similar actions against encrypted platforms such as Ghost, Exclu, and EncroChat, highlighting a trend of criminals adopting smaller, more complex communication services. Europol emphasised that these platforms are increasingly used for illicit activities, while Dutch authorities warned that serious criminals ‘wrongly believe they can still operate in secret.’

Arrests were made in France and Spain, while main servers were seized in France and Germany, signalling an intensified effort to disrupt organised crime networks.