The history of the encrochat hack

EncroChat was one of the largest encrypted phone providers in the world before French Authorities hacked the servers in 2020 leading to users receiving a text saying that their data was no longer secure in early June.

The French Gendarmerie launched their investigation in 2017, placing a “technical” device on the servers allowing them to access the encrypted messages. They shared the information that they found with the law enforcement agencies across Europe, which include the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA).

Under the codename ‘Operation Venetic’, agencies ‘listened’ into messages by organised crime gangs, gaining evidence that led to over 700 arrests in the UK alone.

The director of investigation at the NCA, Nikki Holland, said that “this is the broadest and deepest ever UK operation into serious organised crime”.

However, there were questions into how admissible this evidence was in court and it was not entirely clear how authorities managed to infiltrate the servers, with claims that the evidence was “seized illegally”.

What is Encrochat?

Encrochat was one of the largest encrypted communications services in the world, with an estimated 60,000 users across Europe before it was infiltrated by French police in a hacking operation between March and June 2020. In the UK, this resulted in a crackdown on crime which resulted in the arrest of approximately 746 suspected high-ranking criminals who were believed to have taken part in murder, gun smuggling and drug trafficking crimes. Police seized a whooping £54 in cash and 1.5 tonnes of cocaine.

The Encrochat mobile phone company’s main advertising selling point was that their phones were modified so that the microphones, cameras and GPS were removed, providing a secure network where messages could not be easily intercepted by law enforcement, this led to organised crime gangs using this service, as they would avoid police interception and they were provided anonymity.

They have a specific messaging software installed which sends and receives encrypted messages. This prevents interception, and this is enhanced by some only being able to communicate with other phones on the same network.

Phone data would also be cleared unless a 15-digit passcode was entered correctly, preventing exposure of information if the unintended receiver found the phone.

These security measures are often used by celebrities to protect their data, prevent their phone conversations from being hacked, or something more sinister- such as hiding extra-marital affairs.

What does an Encrochat phone do?

An Encrochat phone is when indecipherable encrypted codes are embedded to protect data from hackers and other unwanted individuals. Unlike normal phones which are able to encrypt their own data, encrypted phones have additional measures such as the removal of certain pieces of hardware such as their microphones, cameras, and features such as the GPS.

Why were Encrochat phones made

Enrochat phones were produced in order to provide protection and privacy from hackers and any other unwanted individuals. The phone was commonly used by celebrities, to preserve their privacy.However, criminal gangs noticed the benefits of Encrochat phones, and decided they would be safer from law enforcement if they utilised this product to hide their crimes.

What is the history behind the Encrochat phone

Encrochat was one of the largest encrypted communications services in the world, with an estimated 60,000 users across Europe before it was infiltrated by French police in a hacking operation between March and June 2020. In the UK, this resulted in a crackdown on crime which resulted in the arrest of approximately 746 suspected high-ranking criminals who were believed to have taken part in murder, gun smuggling and drug trafficking crimes. Police seized a whooping £54 in cash and 1.5 tonnes of cocaine.

The Encrochat mobile phone company’s main advertising selling point was that their phones were modified so that the microphones, cameras and GPS were removed, providing a secure network where messages could not be easily intercepted by law enforcement, this led to organised crime gangs using this service, as they would avoid police interception and they were provided anonymity.

They have a specific messaging software installed which sends and receives encrypted messages. This prevents interception, and this is enhanced by some only being able to communicate with other phones on the same network.

Phone data would also be cleared unless a 15-digit passcode was entered correctly, preventing exposure of information if the unintended receiver found the phone.

These security measures are often used by celebrities to protect their data, prevent their phone conversations from being hacked, or something more sinister- such as hiding extra-marital affairs.

How Newton Law can help with a Encrochat case

With an abundance of experience within Encrochat cases, Newton Law we can piece together a strong argument for your case, to give you the best chance of acquittal. If you need support relating to Encrochat, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

EncroChat Legal advice

A pivotal piece of information you need to understand is that owning an Encrophone in not illegal. What makes it illegal, is if the contents within the phone include any form of material that might be considered violent and harmful. This includes crimes such as: drug trafficking, planning murder, committing murder, rape, amongst other heinous acts. Currently, Encorchat evidence is admissible in criminal cases.

How a EncroChat Cyber Crime Defense Lawyer can help

With our expertise in the Encrochat department, the majority of the defence around your case will be focused on how the police obtained the data being used against you, and how reliable these messages are as evidence. Just because a message is sent by your phone, it is difficult to prove that these were actually written by you.

A cyber crime defence lawyer will advise on this evidence and investigate to find additional material that rebuts or undermines the prosecution case. It is important to have a solicitor to ensure that you are being fully protected and understand all of your rights when it comes to EncroChat cases.

If you have any qualms in regards to being arrested in relation to Encrochat, it is pivotal that you enquire about the services of a skilled criminal lawyer imminently. It should be kept in mind that just because police have gathered evidence, does not mean the evidence can be used to bring legal proceedings against you.

Our role at Newton Law will be to gather all the evidence and develop a strong defence strategy for you. Being proactive, and intervening at an early stage will help to avoid conviction. Newton Law is here to help, remember there is a defence for every offence.

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