Sky ECC encrypted service distributors arrested in Spain, Netherlands

Four distributors of the encrypted communications service Sky ECC, used extensively by criminals, were arrested in Spain and the Netherlands.

According to an announcement by the Spanish police, the two suspects arrested in the country were the leading global distributors of the service, generating over €13.5 million ($14M) in profits.

Investigation into the communications service, its sellers, and customers started back in 2019.

According to what is known, the clients bought access to the service via a subscription-based scheme that cost €600 for three months.

In March 2021, Europol announced that it had cracked Sky ECC’s encryption, allowing investigators to monitor the communications of 70,000 users, revealing extensive criminal activity.

Although the service initially declined these reports and claimed cybercriminals didn’t use its platform, there was a mountain of evidence proving both.

“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 in the Netherlands reported on January 31, 2025, that they arrested two men in Amsterdam and Arnhem. The two were high-ranking sellers of the service, reportedly having direct contact with the platform’s CEO for years.

The Dutch suspects are believed to have handled roughly 25% of all Sky ECC subscriptions, generating €6.8 million in profit.

As the investigations were led by the Netherlands’ National Prosecutor’s Office, the two men arrested in Spain are expected to be extradited to the Netherlands to face prosecution.