From bleepingcomputer.com
Europol announced today that the takedown of the EncroChat encrypted mobile communications platform has led to the arrest of over 6,600 people and the seizure of $979 million in illicit funds.
EncroChat phones ran a special, hardened version of Android that promised users unbreakable encryption, anonymity, and no traceability.
The service also provided message self-destruction features, panic device wipe, tamper-proofing booting, and a brute force resistant FIPS 140-2 certified hardware cryptographic engine.
These features were valued by criminals who wanted to communicate securely, so tens of thousands paid €1,500 ($1,635) for a six-month subscription with global coverage and 24/7 support.
The EncroChat phones themselves were sold for a one-time payment of €1,000 ($1,090) and were remotely erasable if needed.