Brussels: Over 6,500 criminals arrested for using EncroChat app

(Patria) - The cracking of encrypted communications via the "EncroChat" application, used by organised crime groups, has so far led to 6,558 arrests worldwide, it was announced from Eurojust.

The statement highlights that 197 of the 6,558 arrested are on the "High-Value Targets" list.

The results of the investigation were presented in detail today by representatives of French and Dutch judicial and security forces at a press conference in Lille.

The successful dismantling of the "EncroChat" criminal network followed the efforts of a joint investigation team formed by the two countries in 2020, with the support of Eurojust and Europol. Since then, nearly 900 million euros from criminal funds have been frozen.

Organised criminal groups worldwide used the "EncroChat" application, and investigators managed to intercept, exchange, and analyse 115 million conversations of criminals. The application had more than 60,000 users.

Mobile phones adapted for the "EncroChat" application guaranteed anonymity, discretion, and almost impossible user tracking. The phones also had a function to ensure automatic deletion of messages, and with a specific PIN code, all messages were deleted from the device.

Additionally, data from the device could be deleted by the reseller using a remote assistance application. "EncroChat" phones were sold at a price of around 1,000 euros. Customer support was also offered for 1,500 euros over a six-month period with daily assistance.