The Met Police have launched a significant crackdown on organised crime, focusing on criminals who use encrypted devices to avoid detection. Early on Wednesday, 18 November, coordinated raids took place across Redbridge, Havering, Essex, and surrounding areas, resulting in eight suspects being taken into custody.
This operation is part of Operation Eternal, the Met Police’s contribution to the National Crime Agency’s wider Operation Venetic. The objective is to dismantle gangs operating behind encrypted messaging apps on expensive EncroChat phones—a communication network recently compromised by international law enforcement agencies.
EncroChat phones, which cost approximately £1,500 for six months of service, were popular among criminals due to their pre-installed instant messaging applications and security features such as remote kill codes that erase data if the device was at risk of being seized. However, this secure communication method was disrupted in June 2020 when EncroChat alerted users to discard their phones after the platform was infiltrated by authorities.
During the raids, a 52-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of directing drug supplies into East London and Essex between April and September 2020. Police also seized a knife believed to be a stun-gun during his arrest. In Havering, a 40-year-old man was apprehended for possession of criminal property, with over £100,000 in cash confiscated.
Three raids in Ilford led to three further arrests: a 46-year-old man suspected of conspiracy to supply drugs, with a suspected firearm recovered and awaiting forensic examination; a 48-year-old woman arrested for possession of criminal property, with £6,500 cash seized; and a 45-year-old man detained on suspicion of possession of drugs with intent to supply.
In Grays, Essex, two 18-year-olds were arrested for conspiracy to supply controlled drugs, alongside a 23-year-old man arrested for cannabis cultivation. Additionally, a cannabis factory was uncovered in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, though no arrests were made at that location.
Detective Inspector Niall McSheffrey commented on the operation: “The action taken today shows the Met’s relentless fight against serious organised crime. The extent of this group’s criminal activity is clear from the messages and images found on these encrypted devices. I hope this sends a strong message—there is nowhere for criminals to hide.”
He added, “Thanks to the National Crime Agency’s Operation Venetic, many EncroChat users have been unmasked through thorough investigation.”
Police continue to pursue others connected to drug offences and money laundering linked to these encrypted communication networks.
Originally published by UKNIP.
