International Police Cooperation Leads to Cracking of Encrypted Criminal Network

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In a coordinated effort to dismantle criminal organizations, European police have successfully cracked an encrypted messaging app, leading to 42 arrests and the seizure of illegal drugs, weapons, and vast sums of money. The encrypted messaging system, Exclu Messenger, was used by an estimated 3,000 individuals and cost 800 euros for six months of access.

Extensive Investigation Leads to Major Breakthrough

The investigation, which involved the efforts of law enforcement agencies from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Europol, and Eurojust, took over two years to come to fruition.

According to a statement by the Dutch police, the investigation allowed authorities to access the encrypted data of Exclu Messenger, which had been praised for its high level of security, and read the messages of its users for the past five months.

Their statement added:

"Police in France, Italy and Sweden, as well as Europol and Eurojust, its justice agency twin, also took part in the investigation. The police raids uncovered at least two drugs labs, one cocaine-processing facility, several kilograms of drugs, four million euros in cash, luxury goods and guns," Dutch police said, reports News24 "Used by around 3 000 people, including around 750 Dutch speakers, Exclu was installed on smartphones with a licence to operate costing 800 euros for six months."

Seizures Reveal Extent of Criminal Activity

The police raids, which took place in multiple countries, resulted in the confiscation of two drug production laboratories, a cocaine processing facility, several kilograms of drugs, four million euros in cash, luxury goods, and firearms.

The Dutch police specified that at least 750 of the app's users were Dutch-speaking individuals. The successful crackdown on Exclu Messenger is a significant victory in the ongoing battle against organized crime. The coordinated efforts of international law enforcement agencies, along with the use of advanced technology, have once again proven to be an effective tool in combating the illegal activities of criminal organizations.

The confiscation of drugs, weapons, and vast sums of money serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by these groups, and the importance of continued efforts to dismantle them.