Scandal exposed using Blackberry Messenger (BBM). Some unscrupulous businessmen in Brazillearned the hard way that even the most secure messaging systems aren't all that private.
Communications via Blackberry 's messaging system helped Brazilian authorities maintain contact with money laundering suspects and their alleged clients, including Brazilian lawmakers and contractors, according to reliable sources.
This digital surveillance has led to the criminal prosecution of more than 100 people and the further investigation of at least 50 Brazilian politicians as part of the investigation codenamed “Operation Car Wash.” The scandal has shaken the country’s political establishment and the oil giant, Petrobras.
Brazilian authorities used Blackberry Messenger (BBM) files, obtained through shares and with the help of Blackberry , to investigate . The conversations not only confirm the relationships between the perpetrators but also indicate money transactions and other suspicious activities.
There are no convictions yet, but it will probably be difficult for some of the perpetrators to deny their involvement.
Brazilian authorities’ access to BBM data and conversations has users concerned about the confidentiality and security of privacy . The company has not commented on the incident, but refers to its established policy that balances “supporting lawful access” with privacy. In short, in Brazil, no one should assume that encryption alone will keep their conversations secure.
