Little did Rivkin know that the technology he was promoting was developed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The United States has announced a reward of $5 million for the capture of Maximilian Rivkin, a Swedish man who played a key role in marketing an encrypted phones network designed for drug traffickers
The State Department made a substantial reward offer for Rivkin, who has managed to evade arrest since the dismantling of the ANOM network in 2021. This operation led to the apprehension of 800 individuals across three continents, the seizure of 38 tons of drugs, and the confiscation of $48 million in various currencies.
Rivkin, who was named in a US indictment related to Operation Trojan Shield, faces charges of trafficking, money laundering, racketeering, and other criminal activities. The State Department stated in its reward announcement that Rivkin served as an administrator and influencer of the encrypted communication service, which was extensively used by criminals worldwide. His involvement in drug trafficking, money laundering, murder conspiracy, and violent acts was reportedly revealed through his communications on the platform.
The exact whereabouts of Rivkin remain unknown, and authorities have not disclosed any information about his potential hiding place. However, officials have shared identifying details such as scars on his knee and fingers, as well as a tattoo of three monkeys on his right arm. Rivkin is known by various nicknames, including “Malmo,” “Teamsters,” “Microsoft,” and “Max.”
Unbeknownst to Rivkin, he played a central role in an operation led by the FBI
In 2018, the US law enforcement agency coerced an individual involved in manufacturing encrypted phones for criminals to create an updated version that granted the FBI sole access to the system’s digital master key. This enabled them to intercept and monitor all communications made through the platform.
With the assistance of the individual, the modified system was marketed as ANOM and promoted by unsuspecting criminal “influencers” like Rivkin, who played a significant role in convincing others to adopt it. The success of this strategy resulted in the sale of more than 12,000 ANOM phones at a price of $2,000 each. These devices were acquired by criminal syndicates operating in over 100 countries, including international drug cartels, Italian organized crime groups, and outlaw motorcycle gangs, according to the US Justice Department.
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