Icelandic authorities participate in Europol-led operation against organized crime

Icelandic authorities participated in a significant operation led by Europol and Eurojust targeting organized crime involving a encrypted communication platform. The operation resulted in the arrest of 51 individuals, including 38 in Australia, 11 in Ireland, one in Italy, and another in Canada. The encrypted platform, hosted on servers in Iceland and France, was primarily used for drug trafficking but was also involved in other criminal activities such as arms trafficking, money laundering, and violent crimes.

The platform provided users with complete anonymity, utilizing three encryption standards that enabled the automatic deletion of messages on devices. The investigation was spearheaded by a special task force from France and the United States, which led to various arrests and the dismantling of a drug production facility in Australia. Over one million euros in cash, along with weapons and narcotics, were seized during the operation.

This crackdown reflects the ongoing efforts of international law enforcement agencies to combat organized crime exploiting encrypted communication technologies. Iceland’s involvement highlights its role in global collaborative initiatives aimed at enhancing security and upholding the rule of law.