Crime gang members who used encrypted devices sentenced to nearly 350 years behind bars

Members of organised crime groups (OCGs) who used encrypted devices to evade detection have been sentenced to a total of nearly 350 years in prison.

Operation Venetic, which Police Scotland has been working on alongside the National Crime Agency (NCA) and other international partners, has seen 76 people sentenced during the six years it has been running.

The investigation has been targeting OCGs using encrypted devices such as EncroChat – a Europe-based communications network and service provider that offered modified smartphones allowing encrypted communication among users.  

The Europe-wide operation has seen a number of high-profile serious and organised crime nominals brought to justice for a range of offences, including drugs trafficking, firearms offences, conspiracy to commit violent acts and money laundering.

Police Scotland has confirmed items have been seized during the 161 arrests connected with the operation, including firearms and mobile phones.  

Last month, as part of the operation, John Gray was convicted at the High Court in Glasgow for offences including being concerned in the supply of drugs, directing others in the sale and supply of drugs, and being involved in serious organised crime.

David Stephen and Shaun Paul Brown were each sentenced to six years and eight months in prison, having previously admitted directing others to commit a serious offence.

Stephen and Brown, who were involved in the purchase, storage and distribution of cocaine valued at £12m, were sentenced as part of a large-scale operation targeting those involved in serious and organised crime and the supply of drugs. Both men will also be subject to a Serious Crime Prevention Order for three years upon their release.

There have been a further three individuals sentenced over the last month for serious offences connected to organised crime.

Police Scotland has said that while the operation has been “hugely successful” it will continue to pursue suspects and various lines of enquiry.  

Assistant chief constable Stuart Houston said: “The success of Operation Venetic is the outcome of the interrogation of EncroChat data by officers dedicated to identifying and disrupting organised crime groups operating.  

“Analysis of this data remains a priority and we will continue to use all available tools and intelligence to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”