21 Jun 2021

Police seek Hamilton man in relation to operation targeting AN0M users

5:43 pm on 21 June 2021

Police are seeking a man in relation to an operation that targeted users of an FBI-run encrypted app.

Police generic

(File image) Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller

Operation Equinox was one of several being run by police under the umbrella Operation Spyglass - an international effort with law enforcement agencies to investigate sale and supply of methamphetamine and money laundering activities.

Police revealed details of the operations this month, unveiling the creation of a special encryption platform - ANOM - to access organised crime communications.

Police had said users unknowingly communicated on the system, operated by the FBI, for over 18 months.

Ricky MacFarlane, 26, is being sought by police in relation to Operation Equinox. They say he has links to the Hamilton area.

A 24-year-old man also wanted in relation to the operation was now in custody, police said.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of MacFarlane can call police on 105 and quote Operation Equinox, file number 201016/5636, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.