Last week, Australian law enforcement made significant strides in combating organized crime, resulting in the arrest of 55 individuals. This operation was bolstered by intelligence gathered through a backdoored messaging application, strategically distributed within the criminal underworld.
The Genesis of AN0M
The narrative traces back to 2018, when U.S. authorities charged the operator of a Canadian firm known as “Phantom Secure,” which had been facilitating encrypted communications for criminal enterprises. Following the shutdown of Phantom Secure, it was anticipated that criminals would seek alternative means of secure communication.
In response, the FBI, in collaboration with Australia’s Federal Police (AFP), developed a new service named “AN0M.” This platform operated on modified smartphones and required users to pay subscription fees for its secure messaging capabilities. Unbeknownst to its users, AN0M was equipped with a backdoor, granting authorities access to the messages exchanged on the platform.
Operation Ironside Unveiled
Criminals, unaware of the surveillance capabilities embedded within AN0M, utilized the app to coordinate various illicit activities. In 2021, amidst a wave of global arrests, the AFP disclosed the existence of AN0M and the broader initiative known as “Operation Ironside,” which leveraged intelligence from the app to target criminal networks.
Legal Challenges and Court Rulings
In 2022, some users of AN0M, facing criminal charges, sought to contest the legality of the operation. They argued that the use of the app constituted unlawful interception of communications under Australian law. However, in early October, Australia’s High Court ruled that AN0M was legal, as it functioned as a closed system, meaning that messages transmitted through the app did not traverse traditional telecommunications networks. This ruling is final, as the High Court serves as the ultimate jurisdiction in Australia.
Recent Developments in South Australia
In a recent operation, South Australia Police (SAPOL) executed raids on 23 properties, resulting in the arrests of 55 individuals allegedly linked to serious and organized crime. The operation also led to the restraint of assets valued at AUD.8 million (approximately million), including two Harley Davidson motorcycles, hinting at the affiliations of some of those apprehended.
SAPOL characterized these raids as part of “the latest phase of Operation Ironside,” marking a third wave of activity associated with AN0M. While the AFP and FBI have ceased using AN0M due to the overwhelming volume of evidence it generated, the AFP continues to advocate for access to encrypted communications. Last year, they called upon operators of encrypted messaging services to adopt “accountable encryption” practices, facilitating quicker investigations into messages deemed threats to public safety and security.
