The United States on Wednesday announced a $5 million reward for information leading to the arrest of a Swede accused of international drug trafficking, AFP reported.

Maximilian Ryvkin operated an encrypted communication network used by drug traffickers, unaware that the system, known as ANOM, was developed by the US Federal Police (FBI).

“His messages on the platform implicated him in a number of illegal activities, including alleged involvement in drug trafficking, money laundering, conspiracy to commit murder, and other acts of violence,” the US State Department said in a statement.

The reward was announced in connection with the Swedish police charging Maximilian Ryvkin with drug trafficking. In the US, he was also charged with large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering.

The operation, carried out in 2021 by security services on three continents, led to a gigantic international fight against organized crime: 800 people were arrested worldwide and more than 8 tons of cocaine, 22 tons of cannabis and more than 48 million dollars were seized. (photo: Dreamstime)