In a decisive blow to organized crime, a joint investigation team (JIT) involving French and Dutch authorities, with support from Europol and Eurojust, has successfully dismantled MATRIX, a sophisticated encrypted messaging platform used exclusively by criminals. This major operation underscores the power of international cooperation in combating serious organized crime.
For three months, authorities intercepted and monitored over 2.3 million encrypted messages across 33 languages. These communications, linked to international drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and money laundering, are now pivotal evidence for ongoing and future investigations. The MATRIX network was technically more advanced than earlier platforms like Sky ECC and EncroChat, boasting over 40 servers spread across multiple countries. Key servers in France and Germany were taken offline during the operation.
The takedown on December 3 saw coordinated actions in France, Spain, Lithuania, and Italy. In France, one suspect was arrested, while Spanish authorities detained two suspects and searched six properties. Similar searches were conducted in Lithuania. The Dutch-led investigation was launched after MATRIX was discovered on the phone of a criminal convicted for the 2021 murder of a Dutch journalist.
The operation highlights the growing fragmentation of the encrypted communications landscape as criminals increasingly turn to niche or custom-built tools. Despite this, the MATRIX takedown demonstrates that authorities remain ahead of the curve, leveraging innovative technologies to counteract these evolving threats.
Participating agencies include France’s JUNALCO and OFAC, the Dutch High Tech Crime Team, and Germany’s Federal Criminal Police. Europol’s Operational Task Force, established in June 2024, played a critical role in monitoring MATRIX and will assist with follow-up investigations.
This cross-border operation reaffirms the importance of international collaboration in tackling organized crime and disrupting illicit communications.
