Met Cracks Down on Encrypted Crime Rings in Dawn Raids
The Met Police launched a major early-morning swoop yesterday (18 November), targeting organised criminals using encrypted devices to dodge the law. The blitz is part of Operation Eternal, the Met’s effort linked to the National Crime Agency’s nationwide Operation Venetic.
Encrypted Phones No Haven for Criminals
Suspects believed they were safe behind high-tech, encrypted messaging devices known as EncroChat phones. These £1,500 handsets, with no normal smartphone features and built-in kill codes, were thought to keep illicit dealings hidden. But international law enforcement cracked their encryption in 2020, exposing widespread criminal networks.
“The Met’s continued fight to tackle serious and organised crime is clear from the encrypted messages and images seized,” said Detective Inspector Niall McSheffrey. “I hope today’s activity sends a clear message – criminals have nowhere to hide.”
Multiple Arrests and Seizures Across East London and Essex
- Raids in Redbridge, Havering, Essex, and Liverpool targeted key figures tied to drug supply and organised crime.
- A 52-year-old man was arrested for directing drug supplies into East London and Essex between April and September 2020. Police also seized a knife suspected to be a stun gun.
- In Havering, a 40-year-old man was held on suspicion of possessing criminal property, with over £100,000 in cash confiscated.
- Three Ilford addresses produced three arrests: a 46-year-old man on conspiracy charges with a suspected firearm seized, a 48-year-old woman for possession of criminal property with £6,500 cash found, and a 45-year-old man on drugs supply charges.
- In Grays, two 18-year-olds face conspiracy to supply drugs. A 23-year-old man was arrested for cannabis cultivation.
- Police uncovered a cannabis factory in Clacton-on-Sea but made no arrests after finding no occupants.
Operation Continues to Target Drug Supply Networks
So far, eight arrests have been made as the Met digs deeper into the tangled web of encrypted devices and drugs supply. Officers are relentlessly pursuing all those involved and tackling proceeds of crime.
Detective Inspector McSheffrey praised the collaborative efforts: “The National Crime Agency’s role in breaking encrypted communications was key. Thanks to thorough investigation, many EncroChat users have now been tracked down.”
This operation marks yet another significant blow to criminal gangs thinking their secrets are locked away behind encrypted screens.
