Why EncroChat features in so many serious criminal cases
EncroChat was a European network which provided users of EncroChat with a way to make and send encrypted calls and messages. Its privacy and security features made it an attractive way for those involved in criminal activities to communicate with each other. This all changed in 2020 when EncroChat devices were compromised because of actions taken by a number of law enforcement agencies.
There has since been a substantial number of prosecutions involving EncroChat evidence in the UK and abroad. The cases often involve serious offences such as drug importation and supply, people trafficking, firearms offences and threats to life. Although the Court of Appeal has ruled that the data obtained is admissible, there are still ongoing challenges in relation to whether the Court of Appeal was correct in arriving at this decision. Requests for the delivery of infected devices for scrutiny by defence experts have been made to the prosecution in order to find out whether the conclusions reached were correct.