The dismantling of encrypted communication networks used by criminal organizations has resulted in over 6,500 arrests globally and the seizure of massive quantities of drugs, according to a joint announcement by French, Dutch, and European Union authorities. This operation, initiated three years ago with the cracking of EncroChat phones, has exposed a vast criminal underworld involved in drug and arms trafficking, money laundering, and other illicit activities.

The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies have thwarted violent attacks, attempted murders, and large-scale drug shipments, providing invaluable insights into organized crime. Europol and Eurojust, the EU's police and judicial cooperation agencies, highlighted the operation's success in disrupting criminal networks.

The investigation, spearheaded by French and Dutch authorities, gained access to over 115 million encrypted messages exchanged by approximately 60,000 criminals through servers located in Roubaix, France. This unprecedented access led to the apprehension of 6,558 suspects, including 197 high-value targets. The seizures include 30.5 million illicit pills, 114 tons of cocaine, 180 tons of cannabis, 3.6 tons of heroin, and nearly $809 million in cash. Authorities also froze assets and bank accounts worth an additional $168 million.

In 2020, law enforcement announced the successful decryption of EncroChat phones, effectively eavesdropping on criminal conversations. These phones, sold for around $1,094 with a six-month global subscription costing $1,641, were marketed for their anonymity, untraceability, and ease of data erasure. A 2017 investigation by French authorities into EncroChat's operators led to the installation of a device that bypassed the encryption, granting access to user communications.

Authorities have also identified and apprehended some of EncroChat's alleged leaders. Three individuals were recently arrested in Spain and extradited to France, while others outside the EU remain under investigation. EncroChat is not the only encrypted network infiltrated by law enforcement. In 2021, Belgian police disrupted the Sky ECC system, leading to numerous arrests and substantial cocaine seizures. Furthermore, a sting operation involving the FBI and other agencies created and marketed the ANOM encrypted service to criminals, resulting in over 800 arrests and the seizure of over 35.2 tons of various drugs.