EncroChat, Sky ECC and Encrypted Communications Expert Witnesses
Encrypted communications can provide important evidence in cases involving drug trafficking and organised crime. Our independent expert witnesses are experienced in interpreting EncroChat, Sky ECC and other encrypted communications platforms in their wider evidential context, explaining terminology, coded language, quantities, pricing, supply methods and alleged criminal roles clearly and impartially for the court.
How Our Experts Can Assist
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Interpretation of drug-trafficking terminology and coded language
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Assessment of references to drug quantities, prices and transactions
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Interpretation of alleged roles within organised crime groups
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Analysis of supply methods, distribution networks and criminal methodologies
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Review of prosecution or defence expert evidence
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Comparison of communications with other relevant case material
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Identification of alternative interpretations, limitations and areas of uncertainty
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Clear, court-compliant expert reports
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Case conferences and oral expert evidence in court
Our opinions are limited to matters within each expert’s professional expertise. We do not provide cryptographic analysis, recover encrypted data or offer technical opinions on data extraction unless this is expressly agreed and supported by the appointed expert’s qualifications.
Relevant Experience
Our team’s experience includes the interpretation of communications in complex drug-trafficking and organised-crime investigations. Opinions are based on extensive operational knowledge of drug markets, supply methods, criminal terminology and organised crime group structures.
Ian Broughton led the Metropolitan Police expert-evidence response to Operation Venetic, the UK investigation arising from the EncroChat encrypted communications platform. His role included coordinating, managing and supervising expert witnesses during a period of exceptional demand.
Our experts have prepared and reviewed thousands of reports relating to drug trafficking and organised crime. They explain communications in clear language, distinguish interpretation from established fact and identify reasonable limitations or alternative meanings.
Our experts have extensive experience preparing and reviewing reports relating to drug trafficking and organised crime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an EncroChat or Sky ECC expert witness do?
An expert witness may interpret communications within their wider evidential context. This can include explaining drug-trafficking terminology, coded language, quantities, pricing, supply methods and alleged roles within an organised crime group.
Can you accept prosecution and defence instructions?
Yes. We accept appropriate instructions from prosecution and defence teams. The appointed expert’s overriding duty is to assist the court by providing an independent and impartial opinion.
Can you review an existing prosecution expert report?
Yes. An appropriately qualified expert can review existing opinion evidence, assess the reasoning and supporting material, and identify matters requiring clarification, further analysis or challenge. It is something we are regularly tasked with doing.
Which encrypted communication platforms do you cover?
Our work may include EncroChat, Sky ECC and other encrypted or digital communication platforms where the issues fall within the appointed expert’s professional expertise. Suitability is assessed during the initial enquiry.
Do you recover or extract encrypted messages?
Our principal role is evidential interpretation rather than technical data extraction or cryptographic analysis. If technical digital forensic expertise is required, it should be identified separately at the outset. We can recommend specialists in this area, so please get in touch if you need this service.
What information is needed for an initial enquiry?
Please provide a short case summary, the alleged offences, the relevant court and deadlines, the questions the expert may need to address and how the work will be funded. Do not send confidential case material until secure transfer arrangements have been agreed.