- EncroChat operation against crime.
- Seized firearms and narcotics.
- Numerous arrests and convictions.
The force seized 49 firearms and three tonnes of Class A and B narcotics during the operation that commenced in March 2020.
A total of 3,722 years have been served in prisons for over 400 criminals, including prominent “kingpins” in organised crime, as a result of an operation by the Metropolitan Police that targeted the EncroChat encrypted messaging platform.
The director of specialised crime at the Metropolitan Police, Commander Paul Brogden, described it as “the most significant operation in the history of the Met to target organised crime figures.”
Under the direction of the National Crime Agency (NCA) and its own Operation Venetic, Operation Eternal utilised EncroChat data to identify criminals, solve homicides, and combat the drug trade.
EncroChat, an illicit operating system that operated on Android phones, required a secure password to access. Every user was assigned a distinct “handle” comprising a noun and an adjective.
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The £1,500 handsets could only communicate with other EncroChat devices and lose their data if turned over to police.
After law authorities discovered a hack in June 2020, the platform advised users to stop using their phones. It was subsequently shut down.
After Operation Eternal began in March 2020, the Met Police arrested 942 persons, 784 charged and 426 convicted.
Convicted individuals spent a combined 3,722 years in prison.
Additionally, 49 firearms and three tonnes of Class A and B narcotics were seized by the force.
“These criminals were utilising a ‘hard and secure’ communication device,” said Commander Brogden. “In essence, it was a social media platform that the thieves believed we were unable to access.”
“They were demonstrating their lifestyles [on EncroChat] by ordering murder and drug deals and conducting drug transactions on the streets of London; we were able to witness this in an unprecedented way.” The advancement made was substantial.
Many of those apprehended during the operation were “the kingpins” of London-based organised crime networks, according to Commander Brogden. “They were residing in their affluent enclaves and had no intention of being apprehended by the police; however, they were apprehended and brought to justice, which makes me extremely happy.”
Naki Aslan, a 39-year-old high-ranking gang member, received a 23-year prison sentence for his involvement in the conspiracy to import more than 20 kilogrammes of opium and cocaine for the operation.
Officers used “junglecookie” on EncryptChat to arrange narcotics trades after discovering Aslan had an encrypted phone.
Also found were messages indicating Aslan tried to buy a Makarov pistol in May 2020 to shoot a business associate.
Aslan’s EncroChat messages stated: “Do you have anyone available to discharge a few shots? Urgent from the neck down. “I want to pop him immediately.”
Craig Turner, the NCA’s deputy director for investigations, remarked that the operation produced “one of the most astounding results” and that EncroChat provided the agency with “an intelligence goldmine.”
Senior investigating officer for Operation Eternal, Detective Chief Inspector Driss Hayoukane, stated that the force was continuing to work “at a pace” to make additional arrests despite the fact that “iconic” criminals were the subject of upcoming significant trials.
Commander Brogden said the Met Police and Home Office were considering a new encryption law.
3,100 suspects were apprehended and 1,867 were charged during Operation Venetic, which was conducted throughout the United Kingdom. Additionally, 7,000 mobile devices were seized and an estimated 18 million messages were recorded.
Nationally, over 1,200 individuals were incarcerated in connection with Operation Venetic.
