The arrest stems from a collaborative UK law enforcement response to dismantle EncroChat
An East Belfast man has been jailed for drugs charges linked to an encrypted phone network used by criminals.
The 41-year-old appeared before Craigavon Crown Court on Friday, September 18, in relation to offences linked to EncroChat.
He was sentenced to 22 months, half to be served in custody and half on licence, for the offences of intentionally encouraging or assisting the supply of Class B controlled drugs and three counts of transferring criminal property.
The investigation and subsequent sentencing stems from Operation Venetic, a collaborative UK law enforcement response to dismantle EncroChat, led by the National Crime Agency.
The arrest followed the search of a property six years ago, where items were seized including three mobile phones.
Detective Inspector McCamley from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Organised Crime Branch said: “EncroChat was an encrypted communication channel used by organised crime groups to plan illegal activity, such as drug importation and the movement of cash.
“Wayne Jones’ arrest followed searches of a property in East Belfast in July 2020. Here, various items were seized, including three mobile phones and a quantity of cash.
“As with other similar cases, our detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Cyber Crime Centre were able to recover digital forensic evidence. This, alongside collaboration with our partners, including prosecutors from the Public Prosecution Service and the NCA, ultimately brought the defendant before the court.
“This is a further example of our ongoing commitment to bring those who use EncroChat for criminal activity and their own financial gain to justice.
“Working alongside our partner agencies, we will continue to disrupt the movements and activities of organised crime groups, who bring nothing but harm to the most vulnerable within our communities.
“As part of this investigation to date, we have made 52 arrests and obtained Confiscation Orders in the sum of almost £200,000.
“A total of 20 defendants have now pleaded guilty, with 15 of these sentenced for offences linked to EncroChat, from drug supply and money laundering offences to conspiracy to murder and possession of firearms.
“It’s thanks to such collective efforts, backed by our own Cyber Crime Centre and Economic Crime Unit, that we’re able to continue bringing defendants before the courts.”
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