A day after security agencies unearthed two Telegram groups used by the Faridabad terror module responsible for the deadly Red Fort blast, it has emerged that the suspects used another banned encrypted app, Threema, to communicate, according to a report.
The metadata from the Threema chats between Dr Umar un Nabi, Dr Shaheen Shahid and Dr Muzammil Shakeel is now being examined by the investigators, reported NDTV.
Threema was among several mobile apps banned by India in May 2023 over security reasons under Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000. Other banned apps include Zangi, IMO, Briar, Element, MediaFire, Second Line, Safeswiss, Nandbox and BChat.
The ban on the apps was recommended by the Ministry of Home Affairs after authorities found terrorists linked to Pakistan-based outfits using them to spread propaganda as well as communicate between handlers across the border and their operatives in India.
How does Threema app work?
Threema app does not require phone numbers or email addresses for registration in order to ensure anonymity of the user. It then uses a randomly created user ID and users can opt to link their phone number or email.
The paid app asks users to make payment in cash by courier to its registered office in Churerstrasse, Switzerland, in order evade tracking by law enforcement agencies. It also allows payment via Bitcoin.
The users can verify their Threema contacts by scanning each other's QR codes. Besides sending texts, users can make voice and video calls, share locations, voice messages, and share media files. The group chats can accommodate up to 256 users.
Since Threema app is banned in India, the terror suspects are likely to have used VPN to send encrypted messages within the country. However, reports said they have used the app while travelling to Turkey and the UAE.
