How the FBI Tapped the Encrypted Chats of Criminals Around the World w/ Joseph Cox
Jun 6, 2024
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Joseph Cox joins to discuss FBI's use of Anom to crack down on criminals globally. They explore criminal evolution to encrypted phones, FBI's pursuit of encrypted networks, Dubai's cooperation, inter-agency collaboration, French military police hacking, pandemic adaptations, and ethical surveillance considerations.
FBI created Anom to intercept criminals' messages, leading to a global sting operation.
Criminals adopted encrypted communication for security, evolving to sophisticated encrypted phones.
Global cooperation among law enforcement agencies is crucial in combating cross-border criminal activities.
Deep dives
FBI's Plan to Target Criminal Networks
The FBI planned a strategic operation to shift criminals' views on encryption by creating their encrypted phone platform. Through their partnership with other law enforcement agencies, they successfully targeted criminal networks globally, particularly in Europe and Australia. This unique initiative aimed to disrupt criminal activities by intercepting encrypted messages and sharing crucial information among involved agencies.
Evolution of Encrypted Phones and Criminal Networks
The evolution of encrypted phones for criminals started with customized devices like modified Blackberries, offering enhanced security features. Criminal networks began using encrypted communication due to security concerns and law enforcement interceptions. The shift to sophisticated encrypted phones led to global criminal syndicates collaborating and utilizing encrypted platforms like the ANOM system to coordinate drug trafficking and other illegal activities.
Global Reach of Criminal Networks Revealed
The investigation uncovered the extensive interconnected criminal networks operating on a global scale, with major players forming alliances across borders. Criminal groups like the Aussie Cartel and various gang affiliates coordinated drug trafficking operations, leveraging encrypted communication tools in locations such as Dubai to evade law enforcement. The ANOM initiative exposed the depth of criminal activities, including drug shipments, money laundering, and public corruption within these expansive criminal networks.
Collaborative Efforts and International Impact
To combat transnational crime effectively, the FBI and partner agencies orchestrated coordinated efforts by involving multiple countries through Europol. This collaborative approach facilitated information sharing and joint operations targeting criminals using encrypted communication platforms. The multi-country task force worked together to dismantle criminal operations, gather critical intelligence on drug trafficking, money laundering, and corruption, highlighting the significance of global cooperation in combating cross-border criminal activities.
Increased Cooperation Among Law Enforcement Agencies
Following the ANOM operation, Europol and European authorities intensified their collaboration, setting a precedent for increased cooperation. The success of ANOM demonstrated the feasibility and importance of joint efforts in combating criminal activities, particularly in drug and human trafficking cases. Despite initial doubts about sharing intelligence with Europol, the operation's outcomes highlighted the benefits of international partnerships, especially emphasizing the FBI's shift towards more extensive cooperation.
Impact of COVID-19 and Shifts in Criminal Activities
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted law enforcement operations and criminal activities. Law enforcement agencies, facing restrictions, accelerated the development of surveillance systems like Holler Ibot for remote monitoring. Criminals adapted to the pandemic by incorporating new tactics such as increased use of dead drops for money laundering and smuggling drugs in essential supply shipments. Despite disruptions caused by COVID-19, the drug trade persisted, prompting criminals to find alternative methods to sustain illicit operations.
Paris Marx is joined by Joseph Cox to discuss how the FBI created an encrypted phone company called Anom to read criminals’ messages and eventually carry out the largest international sting operation by law enforcement.
Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Support the show on Patreon.
The podcast is made in partnership with The Nation. Production is by Eric Wickham. Transcripts are by Brigitte Pawliw-Fry.
