German police arrest 260 dealers after Encrochat investigation

Thanks to the Encrochat investigation, the Hamburg drug detectives have been able to arrest several hundred drug dealers in recent years.

Hamburg Police Chief Ralf Martin Meyer:

In addition, approximately 66 million euros were seized. The insured monetary value consisted of 57 million euros in real estate values ​​and an additional approximately 9 million euros in cash, jewelery and vehicles. “That’s more than impressive.”

profit confiscated

The encryption technology of the so-called encrochat cell phones was considered secure and therefore very popular with criminals. However, the police in the Netherlands and France managed to crack the software in the spring of 2020. Drug dealers also communicated with each other via Encrochat.

Part of the organized crime (OC) investigations are basically funded by the seized criminal profits, Meyer said. Additional functions in this research area have already been fulfilled. “Ultimately, the state will be able to confiscate significantly more criminal assets and effectively fight organized crime.”

Some 300 detectives and experts are now deployed in the fight against organized crime. “For as long as I can remember, this is the best personal approach and the most successful time in the fight against OC.”

Meyer is aware that their work could also lead to more violence in the drug scene. “We know from the past that the success of our research can also have this side effect. When perpetrators are in prison or on the run, they can no longer carry out their criminal activities, they lose control.” This changed previous structures, “and that can lead to such actions”.

Only on Tuesday were two men shot in a car in Hamburg-Tonndorf. The driver’s side window and door alone were pierced with more than 20 bullets. The driver suffered life-threatening injuries and the passenger sustained minor injuries. According to media reports, the two victims are already known to the police for drug offenses.

(t-online.de/dsc)