Met Police Crack Encrypted Crime Network in Major Raids
The Met Police have launched a huge crackdown on organised crime, targeting criminals using encrypted devices to dodge the law. Early on Wednesday, 18 November, raids across Redbridge, Havering, Essex, and beyond left eight suspects in custody.
Operation Eternal Unmasks Criminals Using Secure Phones
This blitz is part of Operation Eternal, the Met’s code name for their role in the National Crime Agency’s Operation Venetic. The aim? Bust gangs hiding behind encrypted message apps on costly EncroChat phones—a network recently cracked by international law enforcement.
EncroChat phones, which cost around £1,500 for six months, were favoured by criminals because of pre-loaded instant messaging apps and features like remote kill codes wiping data if compromised. But the secure veil was smashed in June 2020 when EncroChat warned users to ditch their phones after the platform was infiltrated.
Multiple Arrests and Seizures Across London and Essex
- A 52-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of directing drug supplies into east London and Essex between April and September 2020. Police seized a knife suspected to also be a stun-gun during the arrest.
- A 40-year-old man was arrested in Havering for possession of criminal property, with over £100,000 cash seized.
- Three raids in Ilford led to three arrests; these included:
- A 46-year-old man on suspicion of conspiracy to supply drugs. Officers also found a suspected firearm now awaiting forensic tests.
- A 48-year-old woman on suspicion of possession of criminal property; £6,500 cash seized.
- A 45-year-old man 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.
- A cannabis factory was discovered in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, but no one was arrested there.
Detective Warns: ‘Criminals Have Nowhere to Hide’
Detective Inspector Niall McSheffrey said: “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.”
“Thanks to the National Crime Agency’s Operation Venetic, many EncroChat users have been unmasked through thorough investigation.”
Police continue to hunt others linked to drug offences and money laundering linked to these encrypted communication networks.
