Global gangs busted in key FBI-led crime sting

A global sting involving an encrypted communications platform developed by the US-based Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has sparked raids and arrests around the world, delivering “an unprecedented blow” to crime gangs.

Operation Trojan Shield involved police swoops in 16 nations. More than 800 suspects were arrested and more than 32 tons of drugs - cocaine, cannabis, amphetamines and methamphetamines were seized along with 250 firearms, 55 luxury cars and more than $148 million in cash and cryptocurrencies.

The seeds of the operations were sown when law enforcement agencies earlier took down two other encrypted platforms, EncroChat and Sky ECC. That meant crime gangs that traffic drugs and organise underworld hits around the world were in the market for new secure phones. The FBI had just what they needed. An app called ANOM that was installed on modified mobile phones.

Over the past 18 months, the FBI provided encrypted devices to more than 300 crime gangs operating in more than 100 countries. That allowed police to look over the shoulders of criminals as they discussed hits, drug shipments and other crimes.