The National Crime Agency and police have struck the biggest blow against organised crime in decades by breaking into an encrypted phone network used by drug dealers, firearms traffickers and other criminals. Intelligence from Encrochat, which had been used by about 10,000 criminals in Britain to co-ordinate their empires, is expected to bring down previously untouchable “Mr Bigs” across the country. Hundreds of criminals have already been arrested after the NCA and police obtained access to Encrochat this year. Raids have led to the seizure of more than £54 million in cash, 77 firearms including sub-machine guns, an AK47 assault rifle and more than two tonnes of drugs. Some 746 people have been arrested over offences from drug dealing to conspiracy to murder.

Source: The Times July 02, 2020 11:12 UTC