The investigation lasted for years, but led to an unexpected ending.
In federal court in San Diego, Australian Osemah Elhasen received 63 months (5.25 years) in prison for participating in an international conspiracy to sell encrypted ANOM devices to criminal organizations. These devices were used to coordinate drug trafficking and other crimes.
Elhasen was one of 17 defendants involved in the case initiated as part of Operation Trojan Shield. During this special operation, the FBI operated the ANOM platform, which was used by criminals for encrypted correspondence. This allowed agents to intercept more than 27 million messages and detain hundreds of people around the world.
According to the court, Elhasen was involved in the distribution of ANOM devices from Colombia, as well as drug trafficking and money laundering. He pleaded guilty in 2024 and agreed with the charges of creating a criminal community. Elhasen facilitated the sale of the devices for more than a year and a half, helping to transport at least 15 kilograms of prohibited substances.
An analysis of ANOM messages showed that Elhasen actively promoted the devices in Colombia and other countries. He organized technical support, subscription renewals, and participated in determining prices for services.
In 2021, Elhasen was arrested in Colombia and then extradited to the United States. At sentencing, U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath said that even the most sophisticated technology cannot hide criminals from justice. Stacy Moy, head of the FBI's San Diego office, added that such devices do not just offer communication services, but facilitate transnational crime.
Three other defendants in this case have already pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Eight more defendants have not yet been extradited, one is wanted.
Source
In federal court in San Diego, Australian Osemah Elhasen received 63 months (5.25 years) in prison for participating in an international conspiracy to sell encrypted ANOM devices to criminal organizations. These devices were used to coordinate drug trafficking and other crimes.
Elhasen was one of 17 defendants involved in the case initiated as part of Operation Trojan Shield. During this special operation, the FBI operated the ANOM platform, which was used by criminals for encrypted correspondence. This allowed agents to intercept more than 27 million messages and detain hundreds of people around the world.
According to the court, Elhasen was involved in the distribution of ANOM devices from Colombia, as well as drug trafficking and money laundering. He pleaded guilty in 2024 and agreed with the charges of creating a criminal community. Elhasen facilitated the sale of the devices for more than a year and a half, helping to transport at least 15 kilograms of prohibited substances.
An analysis of ANOM messages showed that Elhasen actively promoted the devices in Colombia and other countries. He organized technical support, subscription renewals, and participated in determining prices for services.
In 2021, Elhasen was arrested in Colombia and then extradited to the United States. At sentencing, U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath said that even the most sophisticated technology cannot hide criminals from justice. Stacy Moy, head of the FBI's San Diego office, added that such devices do not just offer communication services, but facilitate transnational crime.
Three other defendants in this case have already pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Eight more defendants have not yet been extradited, one is wanted.
Source
