Скачать или смотреть Drug kingpins sentenced to life in prison | Met Police CTSFO | Arrest and extradition

Two drug kingpins have been found guilty of importing and dealing a tonne of cocaine and plotting a murder, following one of the largest EncroChat investigations in history led by Met detectives.

Their illicit activities were uncovered and identities revealed after an investigation into messages exchanged on encrypted communication service EncroChat, after the National Crime Agency (NCA) passed information onto the Met after European agencies cracked the encrypted communications platform.

The Met’s investigation proved how James Harding and Jayes Kharouti had planned to commit a murder, as well as their role in delivering millions of pounds worth of drugs across the capital and beyond. They thought that their communication on EncroChat would never be seen by law enforcement.

Working with international partners, we ensured Harding and Kharouti were extradited to the UK to face justice. They have both been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 26 years for Kharouti, and 32 years for Harding.

Detective Chief Inspector Jim Casey, who led the investigation, said: “This conviction sends a clear message: no matter how sophisticated the methods, criminals cannot hide behind encrypted software.