In Australia, law enforcement conducted a large-scale operation that resulted in the arrest of 55 suspects and the seizure of cryptocurrency assets amounting to nearly $38 million. These events were part of the third phase of Operation Ironside, aimed at combating criminal organizations that used the encrypted messenger AN0M to facilitate illegal activities.
This is reported by Finway
Use of AN0M as Evidence and Investigation Details
The High Court of Australia ruled that messages obtained through AN0M could be used as evidence in criminal cases. This significantly expanded the investigation and accelerated arrests. According to the Australian Federal Police, approximately 800 charges related to drug trafficking, weapons, and involvement in organized crime groups have been filed in this new wave of investigation. Investigators used data obtained through AN0M to uncover complex schemes of financial crimes and money laundering.
The total amount of cryptocurrencies seized during the operation was about 58 million Australian dollars, equivalent to approximately $37.9 million USD. The digital assets were held in accounts and wallets directly linked to the suspects.
How the AN0M Messenger Worked and the Significance of Operation Ironside
AN0M was an encrypted messenger that was installed on specially modified phones without cameras, GPS, or browsers. It was distributed among criminal circles as a supposedly secure communication channel; however, all messages were automatically duplicated to servers controlled by the FBI and forwarded to the Australian police.
According to the police, around 1,600 AN0M devices were used in the country, from which nearly 19.3 million messages were intercepted. Europol emphasizes that criminal networks are increasingly using cryptocurrencies, complicating the work of investigative agencies.
Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams stated that the court’s decision “paved the way for the resolution of cases.”
Public attention to the issue has increased following the Operation Ironside. According to a survey, 60% of Australians do not trust digital assets, and one-third of respondents associate this with the risks of fraud and criminal connections in the cryptocurrency market.