EncroChatan encrypted messaging system used in criminal networks was key to the arrest of eight drug traffickers in Francewho were sentenced this Friday to a maximum of 12 years in prison.

The encrypted system worked without GPS, without SIM card and without access to the microphone or camera of the mobile phonewhich was sold by those responsible for EncroChat, ready to use. It was considered a secure means of communication between members of a criminal group..

But in 2020, a massive European police operation managed to infiltrate the messaging application and had access to the conversations of thousands of criminals arrested in Europe.

Hicham Johriknown as “Chouuchouu” (his nickname on EncroChat), was among those sentenced this Friday.

Jouhri is considered by the prosecution as “the head of the French branch of the criminal organization that managed to import more than two tons of cannabis in one year, i.e. a purchase value of more than 8 million euros” (about 8 , 7 million dollars).

They accused him of helping Spanish traders import the drug by organizing border crossing, transport, storage and subsequent sale at various points in eastern France.

Meanwhile, his two partners received eight-year prison terms.

Open investigations are still ongoing after the dismantling of the encrypted messaging system.