4 distributors of the encrypted communications service Sky ECC, used extensively by criminals, have been arrested in Spain and the Netherlands.
Based on an announcement by the Spanish police, the 2 suspects arrested within the nation have been the main international distributors of the service, producing over €13.5 million ($14M) in income.
Investigation into the communications service, its sellers, and prospects began again in 2019.
In accordance to what’s identified, the shoppers purchased entry to the service by way of a subscription-based scheme that value €600 for 3 months.
In March 2021, Europol introduced that it had cracked Sky ECC’s encryption, permitting investigators to observe the communications of 70,000 customers, revealing in depth legal exercise.
Though the service initially declined these reviews and claimed cybercriminals did not use its platform, there was a mountain of proof proving each.
“The service [Sky ECC) was offered through mobile terminals that had the communication system inserted in order to facilitate secure communications and related to the commission of serious crimes –such as international drug trafficking, arms trafficking or money laundering, among others- with guarantees of privacy and security before possible police investigations,” reads the Spanish police’s report.
Today, the police in Spain announced the apprehension of two leading sellers of the Sky ECC service and the confiscation of money and key items.
The search and arrest operation took place in late January 2025 in Jávea (Alicante) and Ibiza.
During simultaneous police raids at seven locations, the authorities seized telephone terminals and electronic devices, €10,000 and $26,000 in cash, €1,400,000 worth of cryptocurrencies, two cars, and luxury items valued at over €50,000.
“With the progress of the investigation, the police agents verified that the two most important distributors of the service worldwide resided in Spain,” reads the announcement.
“These were in charge of the traffic of Sky devices, SIM cards, and Sky software, as well as the collection and sending of subscription fees.”
The police within the Netherlands reported on January 31, 2025, that they arrested two males in Amsterdam and Arnhem. The 2 have been high-ranking sellers of the service, reportedly having direct contact with the platform’s CEO for years.
The Dutch suspects are believed to have dealt with roughly 25% of all Sky ECC subscriptions, producing €6.8 million in revenue.
Because the investigations have been led by the Netherlands’ Nationwide Prosecutor’s Workplace, the 2 males arrested in Spain are anticipated to be extradited to the Netherlands to face prosecution.