Met Police Smash London’s Most Dangerous Crime Network in Historic £13 Million Bust
The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has just launched its biggest ever crackdown on serious and organised crime in London. In a stunning three-month blitz, officers have shattered murder plots, nabbed some of the city’s most notorious criminals, and confiscated over £13 million in cash.
Encrypted Chats Cracked in Massive International Sting
Thanks to a groundbreaking international operation called Venetic, police and European partners gained access to the encrypted communication system Encrochat. This secret platform, used by around 1,400 London crooks to plan crimes safely, was finally infiltrated and taken down.
The MPS launched Operation Eternal after receiving crucial data revealing who was using the secure phones for criminal dealings. Detectives have been working round the clock, intercepting thousands of coded messages and building solid cases against crime lords who believed themselves untouchable.
171 Arrested and Counting – From Murder Plots to Massive Drug Hauls
- 171 suspects arrested in 34 investigations
- 99 charged with offences including conspiracy to murder, firearms possession, money laundering, and Class A and B drug supply
- £13.4 million in cash seized – a Met record, with £5 million from one swoop alone
- 16 firearms recovered, including deadly Scorpion submachine guns
- 620kg of Class A drugs and 19kg of Class B drugs seized
- 37 encrypted devices confiscated
Police also cracked one of London’s deadliest Organised Crime Groups (OCGs), exposed as high-flying ‘respectable’ businessmen living in multi-million-pound mansions and cruising in luxury cars. But behind the facade, they’re violent criminals linked to drug importation and serious crimes.
Foiled Murder Plot Exposes Links with International Crime
One shocking case unveiled a crime ring spanning the UK, Europe, and the UAE, trafficking cocaine and firearms to fuel turf wars on London streets. In June, detectives stopped a chilling plan to assassinate a rival gang member, arresting a suspect and seizing a loaded pistol destined for murder.
Commissioner Cressida Dick Hits Back at Gangsters
“This operation is the most significant activity, certainly in my career, we have ever carried out against serious and organised criminality across London,” said Commissioner Cressida Dick.
“Organised crime groups used encrypted communications to plot murders, launder money, and sell firearms. They thought they were above the law. But we targeted the top dogs, the untouchables, and brought them down.
“Their crimes devastate communities, hiding behind an air of respectability. Our teams have worked tirelessly around the clock to dismantle their networks. We know who they are, what they’re doing, and who they’re working with. We won’t stop until justice is served.”
Operation Eternal continues at full throttle. Expect more arrests, more seizures, and a relentless fight to clean up London’s streets.
