Coordinated by Europol and specialist French investigators, the string of arrests comes two years after French police hacked into the encrypted messaging network, used by thousands of high end criminals to discuss drug deals, money laundering and violence. In March 2021 Motherboard published details from a cache of emails that showed the shadowy corporate structure behind EncroChat. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Jack Stanley Jones, 27, of Hey Park in Huyton, was sentenced to 16-and-a-half years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin, MDMA, cannabis and methamphetamine. READ MORE: Taxi driver's secret life as 'NuttyLeopard' EncroChat drug dealer. The UK has arrested more than 1,500 suspects since European detectives cracked an encrypted messaging service 10 months ago used by criminals to organise major drug smuggling operations and gangland hits. Read about our approach to external linking. READ MORE: 27m drug boss caught fleeing to Spain in BMW with girlfriend after spending spree, 56 - 58: Alexander Keating - DullTuna and WealthyMace, Paul Dillon - WaspLawn, and Dylan Garforth - DiorIce. Latest London news, business, sport, showbiz and entertainment from the London Evening Standard. Simon Roberts became a "trusted" member of a large-scale drugs gang after his window cleaning business dried up. According to Green, at the time Krusky worked with a Canadian company that wanted to sell secure phones, but it had no customers. The police have managed to establish the true identity of the users by analysing their individual messages and personal information. This is the warning that sent shockwaves through Britain's criminal underworld after police penetrated an encrypted phone network for 'untouchable' crime bosses. The hacking of the network was compared to cracking the enigma code by Nikki Holland, then director of investigations at the NCA. But it was EncroChat messages, recovered in April 2020, which gave officers the additional evidence to blow the lid on the network. Michael Devine - LawfulArbor and MixedTree. Now he has been arrested in the Dominican Republic. He was jailed for nine years and nine months. On the same day, David Blackburn, 29, was arrested at his home in Springvale Close, Kirkby after detectives linked him to a handle titled "SuperBiking". Mark Dumbell, 30, of Warrington Road, Prescot, was sentenced to 16 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, cannabis and ketamine. We'd love to hear from you. Eight men aged between 21-47 and a 26-year-old woman. The dealer, of Manorwood Drive, Whiston, was jailed for 12 years after pleading guilty to four counts of supplying the drugs. Messages on EncroChat were said to link both men to the supply of multi-kilo amounts of the two Class A drugs and smaller amounts of Class B cannabis. Townsend was convicted of conspiracy to supply cannabis and acquire/use/possess criminal property. It could affect hundreds of criminal investigations, prosecutions, and investigations in the UK. Carl Stewart, 39, of Gem Street, Liverpool was sentenced to 13 years and six months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin, MDMA, ketamine and transferring criminal property. READ MORE: Window cleaner became 'MajorFox' in EncroChat ring after business dried up, 50 - 51. Officers searched his home in St Ambrose Close, Anfield and found an EncroChat phone box, containing the password to the device, written on a piece of paper. Encrochat: the top-secret network explained after the NCA helped hack phones of major crime figures and made arrests. Ryan Mulcahy, 29, of Maregreen Road, Everton, was sentenced to six years and six months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess/convert/acquire criminal property. His Encrochat handle was Sacredmask. "Money man" Allan, who used the EncroChat handle "MessyZebra", was previously jailed for two years for dealing cannabis in 2005. They were both then sentenced in connection to a gangland shooting in Warrington. Harding was jailed for 18 years and five months. Why Alex Murdaugh was spared the death penalty, Why Trudeau is facing calls for a public inquiry, The shocking legacy of the Dutch 'Hunger Winter'. The eight arrests are thought to be the first arrests of people involved in the setting up and running of EncroChat. Some of the evidence has been obtained by French police, who have intercepted many messages on the encrypted EncroChat programme used by criminal networks across the continent in recent months after breaching its . He used the Encrochat handles Scantbee and Sandferret. READ MORE: EncroChat dealer busted after being caught with 176kg caffeine haul. Law enforcement agencies around the world have increasingly targeted the creators and administrators of encrypted phone companies. Philip Dearden, 31, of Kent Road, St Helens, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin and cannabis. In some of those cases the charges stemmed around the owners alleged participation in money laundering. Liverpool's courts are some of the busiest in the UK, with a huge variety of cases being heard each week. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply each of the drugs and was jailed for 16 years. Officers seized a gun, ammunition . They both pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply the three drugs. Krusky appears to have a background working with internet service providers, according to forum posts and archived webpages. Steven Nicholls, 41, of Ibbotson Lane, Aigburth, was sentenced to 16 years and eight months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit arsons with intent, conspiracy to supply cocaine, conspiracy to supply heroin, and transferring criminal property. Ricardo Hughes - NovaCoast and Christopher Dooley - OctoOx. READ MORE: EncroChat dealer 'LovelyGiant' used 'key worker' to ferry cocaine in lockdown. Not so that of 14-year-old Mohammed Al-Gharani, nabbed in Pakistan. He delivered at least 44 kilos of cocaine and stored hundreds of thousands of pounds of cash in his family home in Linkside Road. Isaac Rasmussen, 28, from Heath Road Widnes, previously from the Huyton area was sentenced to 10 years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, conspiring to fraudulently evade prohibition on the import of Class A drugs and conspiring to fraudulently evade a prohibition on the import of Class B drugs. The period just after 9/11 saw wrongful arrests skyrocket. Adam Dalby (Image: Essex Police) Golding was given 12 years in jail, while Thurgood was handed eight for being Golding right-hand man in the criminal network. EncroChat messages showed 10 weeks of multi kilo trading between April 1 and June 13, 2020 but notes on Talbot and DampHedge's EncroChat devices showed the "full scale" of the scheme, dating back . READ MORE: Dad's drug deals with 'BiggieSmalls' and 'SixTimesLFC' on EncroChat. Peter Heron, 48, of Grosvenor Road in Wavertree. Police have made more than 1,000 arrests in the UK after French investigators infected EncroChat phones around the world with a software "implant" that covertly harvested messages and data . There are other newsletters available too if you want them as well. He used an EncroChat phone to update the drug bosses on their income, dealing with hundreds of thousands of pounds at a time. Police intercepted . Using a non-work phone or computer, you can contact Joseph Cox securely on Signal on+44 20 8133 5190, Wickr on josephcox, or emailjoseph.cox@vice.com. Major crime figures were among over 800 Europe-wide arrests after messages on EncroChat were intercepted and decoded. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. READ MORE: EncroChat cocaine boss with international links asked dealers to call him 'Jethawk'. Begin . Roberts, of Circular Drive, Greasby, Wirral was sentenced to 10 years and six months. Encrochat users don't use their real names, but false names, known as "handles". The identity of the crook who has adopted the name of the Reds' Brazilian shot stopper on the secret phone network remains a mystery. EncroChat drug dealer Sean Moore also sold Covid 19 testing kits as a sideline during lockdown. READ MORE: 'Milliondolla' EncroChat user said he had cocaine 'coming out me ears'. Jack Pritchard, 29, of Mavis Drive, Coppull, Lancashire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A Drugs cocaine, and was sentenced to 10 years. READ MORE: EncroChat dealers planned to flood Merseyside with Class A drugs. Sean Skinner, 41, of Nightingale Vale, Greenwich SE18, was arrested on June 19, 2020. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Details of the arrests were first published in French newspaper Le Parisien. Talbot, Carlton and Ward all admitted conspiring to supply Class A drugs and possessing criminal property. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Entire organised crime groups dismantled during Operation Venetic with 746 arrests, and 54m criminal cash, 77 firearms and over two tonnes of drugs seized so far. After locating the containers in April in Wouwse Plantage, near the Belgian border, police put the area under observation and found that multiple men were working on them almost every day. Police forces first became aware of the EncroChat network in 2016. READ MORE: Encrochat dealer 'Magiccider' busted after posing for photo with cannabis, 37. Ward went by the name "StableToast", Carlton used the handle "StaleSloth", and another Merseyside man - who is still at large - was called "DampHedge". The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Dutch police said the containers were found before they were used, and potential victims were now in hiding. He has now been charged over firearms offences, and being concerned in the supply of Class A and B drugs . At the time, Motherboard did not name this EncroChat member due to the risk they faced being deeply involved in an encrypted phone company that ultimately led to the arrests of thousands of alleged organised criminals. The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) has made 746 arrests and dismantled dozens of organized crime groups after intercepting millions of encrypted text . The operation followed the infiltration of a the EncroChat encrypted communications network used by organised criminals to . Try for 30 days ( free of charge) the DigitalBank Vault SuperEncryption System . Tom Duffy. When he finally pulled over, police searched the vehicle, revealing the huge quantity of caffeine, set to be used to adulterate ketamine, and 1,030 in cash. In March 2021 Motherboard published details from a cache of emails, Encrochat Lawyers Say Clients Haven't Had Fair Trials, The Network: How a Secretive Phone Company Helped the Crime World Go Dark, charged with conspiracy to murder and cocaine trafficking, have not received fair trials due to the intense secrecy. 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They were caught after an 18-month investigation and were among the 250-plus arrests made in GMP's strand of the National Crime Agency's . Dooley, 35, of no fixed address but from St Helens, was jailed for nine years after admitting conspiring to supply Class A and B drugs. The major drug boss, who used the code name 'Bigmninee', was also known within the criminal underworld as a 'go-to man' for crooks who wanted guns. But 40-year-old Woolton roofer Daniels worked as a drug and cash courier for him, under the handle "ExoticApe", in 2020. EncroChat dealer Nathan Harding was busted by police after sharing a photo of himself holding cannabis. More than two tonnes of drugs, several dozen guns and 54m in suspect cash . Kevin Daniels handled 1.5m of dirty cash for a drug boss who used the name of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker on EncroChat. But Europe Is Still Awash With Drugs. Many have been through Liverpool Crown Court this year after their crimes were exposed. Peter Heron was caught supplying cocaine and cannabis as part of the EncroChat hack. Liam Garvey, 28, was arrested at his home on The Boulevard, Thatto Heath, St Helens on May 13 this year as part of the police operation targeting criminals who used the encrypted network. Bradley Luxton - SoupHedge and MerrySword. Investigators were able to access his contacts via an Encrochat phone. From drug dealers caught through their love of cheese to major drugs operators who supported shooting plots, this is an overview of 60 of the cases the region had heard about so far. As part of Operation Venetic, the UK law enforcement crackdown on EncroChat users, Derrane was arrested in his van in the Tingley area of Leeds on April 22 2020. READ MORE: 'Bagbangboomboom' Encrochat dealer raided by police, 41. Craig O'Hare - also MagicCider. Two of the suspects have also been detained for possession of weapons. Talbot and Ward also admitted conspiring to supply Class B drugs. Six men have been arrested in the Netherlands following the discovery of seven shipping containers converted into cells and torture chambers. Dozens of criminals embedded in Merseyside's underworld have been jailed after an international operation brought down EncroChat. For reasons unknown he was then released. READ MORE: EncroChat dealer 'RecoveryMan' boasts about the quality of his 'Charlie', Gavin Jones, 42, of Houlgrove Road, Vauxhall was jailed for 14 years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine. Gangs are believed to have used the devices to plot attacks on rival groups, plan ways of enforcing drug debts and arrange for money to be laundered. Hundreds arrested as crime chat network cracked. The arrests are among 800 made across Europe after EncroChat messages were intercepted and decoded. Michael Devine had shared details of his membership on the EncroChat encrypted messaging platform. Police arrested Yasin on New Year's Eve, and he and around 20 others are suspects in the case, with several believed to be linked to the criminal gang known as the Vrby Network. READ MORE: Dad moved 4.5m of cocaine and heroin for international drug lord. Police believe he was a key player in setting up and running EncroChat. ", Virgil van Dijk makes 'nervous' plea to Liverpool fans before Man United clash, The Dutchman has called on players and fans to come together to help the team get over the line against the Red Devils on Sunday, 'I am spared' - Amadou Onana shares Everton fan theory and makes 'mythical' claim, The Belgium international has built a rapport with Everton supporters while impressing since his summer move from France, 'Stunning' former rectory transformed into modern 1m home, The house dates back to 1880 and includes a lot of period features, Family wrongly kicked out of Mother Goose panto give their review, John's wife was "in tears" as they were escorted out of the auditorium by staff and security, Schoolboy has 'little time left' after mum noticed 'lopsided smile', "There was no longer a cure they could offer him and time was very limited. The suspects were arrested on 22 June following a Franco-Dutch operation to infiltrate the EncroChat encrypted phone system. Warning issued to drivers travelling home for Christmas over new motorway rule, EncroChat drug boss panicked after cocaine market 'stood still' during lockdown, Gang's 'eye watering' cocaine plot recorded on Excel spreadsheets, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A Drugs, Block of Stilton cheese led to the downfall of EncroChat drug dealer, Go to our dedicated newsletter page at this link, EncroChat dealers 'Laughingstorm', 'Kindtailor' and 'Wiredfork' see empires crumble after hack, Dad moved 4.5m of cocaine and heroin for international drug lord, BT engineer's double life as EncroChat user 'Normalair' who bragged about lavish contacts in Dubai, EncroChat dealer 'LovelyGiant' used 'key worker' to ferry cocaine in lockdown, EncroChat dealer 'RecoveryMan' boasts about the quality of his 'Charlie', 'Bro we be multimillionaires in three months haha' boasted dealer, click on this link to our newsletter sign-up centre, EncroChat drug boss boasted he made 20K before 8pm, 'Milliondolla' EncroChat user said he had cocaine 'coming out me ears', EncroChat boss 'KeySilver' stockpiled drugs over lockdown fears, Taxi driver's secret life as 'NuttyLeopard' EncroChat drug dealer, Dealer 'Vilecrusher' told police: 'Anyone whos had those Encros is f***ing going', Businessman was drug boss 'FastSilver' flogging Orange Cream, Stardog, Gelato and Jaffa, EncroChat dealer nicknamed 'coastalsummer' tried to flee naked through window in raid, EncroChat dealers planned to flood Merseyside with Class A drugs, Dad's drug deals with 'BiggieSmalls' and 'SixTimesLFC' on EncroChat, discussing the sale of 136,000 of cannabis, Encrochat 'Loadedsun' dealer jailed after returning from Spain, Encrochat dealer 'Magiccider' busted after posing for photo with cannabis, EncroChat dealer's empire crushed after he told contacts when his birthday was, Gang threatened to 'chop off ears' and hold iron to chest of pensioner, EncroChat drug boss caused his own downfall after his joke texts, EncroChat dealer bragged he'd use cocaine and heroin to fund house extension, EncroChat dealer boasted of 'mayday' airport smuggling scheme, EncroChat dealer 'butterflyjuice' jailed for almost a decade, Underworld banker 'MessyZebra' 'flicked' 1m of dirty cash for drug bosses, EncroChat dealer busted after being caught with 176kg caffeine haul, EncroChat cocaine boss with international links asked dealers to call him 'Jethawk', EncroChat dealer 'Tamewelder' caught with ten kilos of cocaine and weed, Dad who became Encrochat's 'go-to man' for drugs and guns, Window cleaner became 'MajorFox' in EncroChat ring after business dried up, 500,000 of amphetamine branded with pictures of The Beano character Billy Whizz, 'Billy Whizz' EncroChat gang moved nearly 500,000 of speed, 27m drug boss caught fleeing to Spain in BMW with girlfriend after spending spree, EncroChat dealers 'Wealthymace' and 'Dior Ice' caught at Liverpool airport before Spain flight, Gun thugs and gangland brothers jailed for botched underworld shooting, Man runs for his life as gunman shoots him in the leg, All the people who walked free from Liverpool's courts in 2021, ITV Loose Women's Carol McGiffin explains appearance change as fans concerned, The panelist lifted the lid on her "drama", Emmerdale fans taken aback as Lucy Pargeter shares real age, The Chas Dingle star has appeared in Emmerdale since 2002, Deserted shopping centre with 'no shops' left used to be biggest in Europe, Runcorn Shopping City has lost plenty of shops in recent years, Coronation Street fans demand to know where they've seen newcomer before, Many viewers took to social media to ask where they recognised Sarah Platt's new business partner from, Good Morning Britain's Ben Shephard warns Kate Garraway 'could be jailed' after career confession, The Tipping Point presenter was in hysterics as he aimed a cheeky jibe at his co-host, Bent system cost Merseyside town thousands when asking for Government help, Sefton Council has had to self fund its most recent and unsuccessful Levelling Up Fund bids while other Merseyside areas received money to prepare applications, Gogglebox's Giles Wood 'retired at 21' thanks to lucrative second job, The Gogglebox star joined the show in 2015, Drivers at risk of a 1,000 fine for these simple number plate mistakes, Motorists could be slapped with a 1,000 fine, 'Pubs need to adapt' if they are going to survive the times ahead, "Although we are living during a cost-of-living crisis people still do have money.