Imperfections in encryption sometimes play into the hands of fairness.
Secure messengers helped solve a global drug trafficking case. A joint operation between Europol and police forces from several countries led to the arrest of six people and the seizure of 2.7 tons of cocaine.
Serbian police led the operation with support from Brazil, Croatia, France, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Slovenia. The investigation has targeted the Balkan Cartel, suspected of smuggling illegal substances from South America to Europe by sea.
One of those arrested was a Serbian citizen, the organizer of the cartel. It was his correspondence that led the police to the right trail.
It is not specified which messenger “failed” the drug lord. However, it is known that the case of the dismantling of several platforms that were often used in various illegal operations helped the authorities understand exactly how communication between members of criminal groups works. EncroChat, Sky ECC and ANOM services have been shut down at various times over the past few years. The analysis of these cases served as the basis for the arrest of thousands of suspects in various cases.
On August 24, a global search was conducted in 15 countries. As a result, not only 2.7 tons of cocaine were seized from the criminals, but also two expensive cars, luxury watches and about €550,000 in cash.
This is not the first time that hacking of encrypted messaging apps has led to major arrests. In May this year, European police arrested three of the “most influential” drug lords in the Balkans and 10 more suspects in different countries. Law enforcement agencies also thank the successful Sky ECC hack for this.
Thus, the use of technology to decode messages in “encrypted” instant messengers is becoming an increasingly effective tool in the fight against international crime. Although such incidents cause mixed reactions from the public, imperfections in encryption sometimes play into the hands of justice.
Secure messengers helped solve a global drug trafficking case. A joint operation between Europol and police forces from several countries led to the arrest of six people and the seizure of 2.7 tons of cocaine.
Serbian police led the operation with support from Brazil, Croatia, France, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Slovenia. The investigation has targeted the Balkan Cartel, suspected of smuggling illegal substances from South America to Europe by sea.
One of those arrested was a Serbian citizen, the organizer of the cartel. It was his correspondence that led the police to the right trail.
It is not specified which messenger “failed” the drug lord. However, it is known that the case of the dismantling of several platforms that were often used in various illegal operations helped the authorities understand exactly how communication between members of criminal groups works. EncroChat, Sky ECC and ANOM services have been shut down at various times over the past few years. The analysis of these cases served as the basis for the arrest of thousands of suspects in various cases.
On August 24, a global search was conducted in 15 countries. As a result, not only 2.7 tons of cocaine were seized from the criminals, but also two expensive cars, luxury watches and about €550,000 in cash.
This is not the first time that hacking of encrypted messaging apps has led to major arrests. In May this year, European police arrested three of the “most influential” drug lords in the Balkans and 10 more suspects in different countries. Law enforcement agencies also thank the successful Sky ECC hack for this.
Thus, the use of technology to decode messages in “encrypted” instant messengers is becoming an increasingly effective tool in the fight against international crime. Although such incidents cause mixed reactions from the public, imperfections in encryption sometimes play into the hands of justice.
