Law Enforcement Shuts Down MATRIX Encrypted Messaging Service

French and Dutch police have successfully dismantled MATRIX, a sophisticated encrypted messaging platform used by criminals for illegal activities such as drug and arms trafficking. The platform, discovered on a convicted criminal’s phone, had around 8,000 users who paid up to €1,600 for six-month subscriptions.

In a joint operation, authorities seized more than 40 servers, mostly located in Germany and France, and arrested three individuals, including the suspected operator, a 52-year-old Lithuanian. Police also confiscated significant cash, cryptocurrencies, and numerous mobile devices.

MATRIX, which offered secure communication tools, including encrypted messaging and anonymous browsing, was seen as more advanced than previous criminal platforms like Sky ECC and EncroChat. Despite its smaller user base, its complexity made it a preferred tool for criminal groups.

A message on the seized website now warns users that their communications were intercepted. This operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat encrypted criminal networks.