Cartels Utilize WhatsApp to Share Intelligence and Security Software
Mexican cartels have found a way to access a government-used database to monitor their victims in real time, according to a report by Vice News. Criminals are reportedly sharing intelligence and security software through the messaging app WhatsApp, allowing them to track down their targets.
Real-Time Tracking and Private Information Acquisition
The report reveals that these cartels are using a police database to geolocate individuals and obtain private information and documents. This is made possible through the use of software called Titan, which is being shared on WhatsApp. The minute-to-minute location logs enable the cartels to monitor their victims with precision.
Titan Services Available for Sale
Vice News discovered that various Titan services are available for purchase, with prices ranging from 10,000 to 180,000 Mexican pesos ($600 to $9,000). Buyers have the option to either obtain their own login credentials or request an official user to fulfill their needs. Interestingly, the report also indicates that some law enforcement agencies purchase licenses for Titan, which are then resold on the black market.
Extensive Personal Information Accessible
According to the investigation, the cartels are able to access a vast array of personal information. This includes data from the Mexican voter ID database, credit bureaus, bank statements, phone app logs, emails, and more. Additionally, the platform allows for the deletion or addition of criminal charges to someone's ID.
The Involvement of Criminals and State Officials
Vice News discovered that a "council" consisting of both criminals and Mexican state officials oversees the sale of these services. Although the software is Mexican-made, sources claim that Israel has been involved in the development of the backend. However, it remains unclear who exactly is behind Titan, as the platform login page lacks any identifying information and frequently changes servers to avoid detection.
The Scope of Usage and Challenges for Law Enforcement
Vice News spoke to sources who believe that criminals utilize the platform more extensively than law enforcement agencies. It is estimated that there are around 100,000 missing persons in Mexico, making it challenging for authorities to locate individuals without the cooperation of the cartels. Mexican state governments have yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter.
Read the original article on Business Insider
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By: ldodgson@insider.com (Lindsay Dodgson)
Title: Mexican Cartels Exploit Government Database to Track Victims in Real Time: Report
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/mexican-cartels-database-used-by-police-track-victims-vice-2023-12
Published Date: Fri, 15 Dec 2023 10:58:23 +0000
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