Categories: World

European officials arrest 48 in connection to an encrypted app used as a secure channel for organized crime

close Video

Fox News Flash top headlines for February 6

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what’s clicking on Foxnews.com.

European investigators have shut down an encrypted communication service that was used as a secure channel for organized crime, particularly in the drug trade, and arrested 48 people, German authorities said Monday.

More than 70 properties were searched in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Poland on Friday, when the arrests were made, the criminal police office in the western German state of Rhineland-Palatinate said in a statement.

It said that those arrested were users, operators and administrators of the communication service, Exclu.

MAN, 63, DIES AFTER ALLEGEDLY BEING PUNCHED BY MEXICAN SOAP OPERA STAR DURING ROAD RAGE INCIDENT

European investigators have shut down an encrypted app called Exclu used as a secure channel for organized drug trade.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The detentions resulted from an investigation launched in 2020, which had its roots in the shutdown the previous year of a former military bunker in western Germany that hosted sites dealing in drugs and other illegal activities. Those included Exclu.

German authorities said Exclu was offered to users as a smartphone app, with a six-month license costing $860. It had an estimated 3,000 users — 750 of them in the Netherlands, where police also were involved in the investigation.

Share

Recent Posts

From friendly text to financial trap: the new scam trend

It starts with something small, a text that feels oddly familiar. Maybe it says, "Hey,…

10 hours ago

Living in giant moon glass spheres could be our future

One day, we might see glowing cities of glass scattered across the Moon's surface, shining…

14 hours ago

Delete the fake VPN app stealing Android users’ money

Malware targeting Android devices has grown increasingly sophisticated. From fake banking apps to phishing campaigns,…

16 hours ago

Police agencies turn to virtual reality to improve split-second decision-making

AURORA, Colo. – Police departments across the country are turning to virtual reality training to…

22 hours ago

Ohio lawmaker proposes comprehensive ban on marrying AI systems and granting legal personhood

An Ohio lawmaker is taking aim at artificial intelligence in a way few expected. Rep.…

2 days ago

Scammers target retirees with election tricks and fake polling updates ahead of Nov. 4 vote

Election season should be about casting your vote and making your voice heard. But for…

2 days ago