// intel briefSky ECC was a provider of super-secured encrypted smartphones used by drug gangs worldwide. In a massive operation on March 9, 2021, 1,600 Belgian federal agents raided over 200 locations across Belgium. The crack - described as "the crack of the century" - opened 673 judicial dossiers with Sky ECC data as key evidence. Almost 5,000 suspects were identified. The results have been staggering: over 1,200 people convicted for drugs, violence, money laundering, corruption, and weapons offenses. EUR 225 million in criminal money was seized. A total of 3,684 years of prison sentences have been handed down so far. The operation exposed extreme violence in criminal communications - not just in Antwerp and Belgium, but worldwide. However, as crime journalist Joris van der Aa noted, criminals are "reinventing" themselves with new encrypted channels, and prosecutors acknowledge "other tunnels" are being dug.
// timeline2021-03-091,600 Belgian agents raid 200+ locations - Sky ECC cracked
2021673 judicial dossiers opened with Sky ECC data as key evidence
2022Convictions begin rolling in - drugs, violence, money laundering, corruption
2023EUR 225 million in criminal assets seized from Sky ECC cases
20241,200+ people convicted - 3,684 years of prison sentences total
2025Criminals "reinventing" with new encrypted channels - prosecutors warn of "other tunnels"
// key figuresSky ECC Usersstatus_unknown
Network of criminal users worldwide | Global
Almost 5,000 suspects identified through Sky ECC data. Over 1,200 convicted so far for drugs, violence, money laundering, corruption, and weapons offenses. Users relied on the encrypted platform for organizing drug shipments, ordering assassinations, and laundering money.
Sky ECC Operatorsstatus_unknown
Platform provider / encrypted phone seller | International
Sky ECC operated as a commercial provider of encrypted communication devices. Sold super-secured smartphones to criminal networks worldwide. The platform was marketed as impenetrable, giving criminals false confidence to discuss operations openly.
Belgian Federal Policestatus_unknown
Lead investigating agency | BE
Belgian federal police cracked Sky ECC approximately 5 years ago from the operation date. On March 9, 2021, they deployed 1,600 agents to raid over 200 locations across Belgium simultaneously. The operation was coordinated with international partners.
