Hundreds arrested after Australian police and FBI crack underworld messaging app
Hundreds of suspected organised crime figures in 18 countries have been arrested after US and Australian agencies hacked into an app used by criminals and read millions of encrypted messages, Australian officials have said.
The operation by Australian police and the FBI ensnared suspects in Australia, Asia, South America and the Middle East involved in the global narcotics trade, the officials said.
Named Operation Trojan Shield by the FBI, it was one of the biggest infiltrations and takeovers of a specialised encrypted network.
The Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, said the operation had “struck a heavy blow against organised crime – not just in this country, but one that will echo … around the world“.
The Australian federal police commissioner, Reece Kershaw, said police raids in 18 countries had netted hundreds of suspects. Europol and the FBI said on social media they would hold news conferences later on Tuesday.
Australia said it had arrested 224 people, including members of outlawed motorcycle gangs, while New Zealand said it had detained 35 people.
