Met Police Smash London’s Most Notorious Crime Gangs in Huge Crackdown
The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has just launched its biggest ever operation against serious organised crime, smashing murder plots, arresting top criminals, and seizing over £13 million in cash.
Encrypted Phones Cracked in International Sting
For three months, UK cops worked with European partners and the National Crime Agency, using data from the encrypted chat system Encrochat. This info came from a massive international operation called Venetic.
About 1,400 Londoners were exposed using Encrochat – a once-impenetrable platform where criminals plotted their deadly deeds. With the network dismantled, the Met launched Operation Eternal to hunt down offenders using these phones for crime.
171 Arrested, £13.4 Million and Guns Seized
- 171 people arrested in 34 investigations
- 99 charged with crimes including conspiracy to murder, drug trafficking, firearms offences, and money laundering
- More than £13.4 million cash seized – including a record-breaking £5 million haul in one swoop
- Weapons recovered: 16 firearms (including deadly Scorpion submachine guns), 500+ rounds of ammo
- 37 encrypted devices and 620kg of Class A, 19kg of Class B drugs confiscated
Many caught were part of London’s most dangerous organised crime groups. They live luxe lives in multi-million-pound homes with flashy cars but hide a violent, criminal core. The Met’s elite firearms teams stormed their addresses to bring them down.
High-Risk Gangs and Foiled Murder Plots
One probe revealed links between UK gangs and networks in Europe and the UAE, dealing cocaine and guns across London. When detectives uncovered plans to kill a rival gang member, they acted fast.
An individual was arrested for conspiracy to murder, and a loaded pistol – thought to be the murder weapon – was seized.
Operation Eternal is still in full throttle with more arrests and seizures expected soon.
Commissioner Cressida Dick: ‘We Will Not Rest Until Justice is Served’
“This is the most significant crackdown against organised crime I’ve seen in my career,” said Commissioner Cressida Dick.
“These criminals used encrypted chats to plot murder, drug deals, money laundering and firearms sales. They thought they were untouchable.”
“But organised crime knows no borders. We’ve targeted top dogs we’ve tracked for years but couldn’t reach – until now.”
“This crime wrecks communities and behind some respectable fronts are ruthless offenders. Our teams have worked nonstop to uncover and stop them.”
“We know who they are, what they’re doing and who they work with. We won’t stop until justice is done.”
