Operations were carried out across Europe as a result of police accessing millions of messages sent using the encrypted messaging network, EncroChat.

746 suspected top tier criminals who are believed to be involved in murder, gun smuggling and drug trafficking crimes were arrested, 54 million in cash was seized and 1.45 tons of cocaine seized.

Encrophones were modified devices many of them based on BQ Aquaries X2. This was an android phone released by a Spanish company in 2018. Cameras, Microphones and GPS’s were removed from the phones and a pin code would immediately delete all messages on the device from a distance.

Hundreds of phones have been seized and the police used a technical device, some form of implant added onto the network itself. This story is still developing. You can read more here - https://news.sky.com/story/encrochat-what-it-is-who-was-running-it-and-how-did-criminals-get-their-encrypted-phones-12019678