The Crime Messenger: How Sky ECC Phones Became a Tool of the Criminal Trade Posted on October 24, 2024 By xzuan What do criminals say to each other when they think nobody can hear? The fall of Sky Global — an encrypted communications company that once promised limitless privacy — may be our best-ever chance to find out. For years, the company’s specially modified phones were an essential tool for fugitive bank robbers, global drug traffickers, and Serbian criminal organizations. In text messages and voice recordings, in groups and in one-on-one chats, these men discussed their next cocaine shipments, argued about the logistics of upcoming heists, and bragged about their latest acts of savagery. Eventually, police agencies and prosecutors from multiple countries closed in. Their efforts led to the indictment of the company’s founder and 30 others in a Paris court earlier this year. The company says it did its best to control its users, and bears no responsibility if a few criminals slipped through. But few details about how the Sky universe worked have been released thus far — until now. In the Crime Messenger project, reporters from OCCRP and 12 partners gained access to over 3,800 files of evidence, police reports, chat logs, and other materials from the French investigation. These exclusive materials provide an unprecedented look at how some of the world’s most dangerous men used the service — and how they became its trusted distributors. Crime CrimeCriminalECCMessengerPhonesSkyToolTrade
Crime Toronto residents weigh in on Crime & Policing Posted on October 1, 2024 Toronto residents weigh in on Crime & Policing The latest exclusive public opinion poll from CityNews and Maru is delving into how residents are feeling about crime in the city. Shauna Hunt with what residents say is their biggest concern is – and where. Read More
Crime York police break up crime ring targeting Ontario golf courses Posted on October 25, 2024 The mystery of golf carts disappearing from courses around Ontario has been largely solved after York Regional Police charged multiple people involved in what appears to be a crime ring involved in trafficking stolen goods. “They’re pretty sneaky,” said Det. Const. Kyle Chalmers, who led the investigation. “They’re definitely smart.” In… Read More
Crime ‘Crime pays’: Victim astonished at early release of disgraced P.E.I. funeral director Posted on September 22, 2024 Lowell Oakes, a former P.E.I. funeral director convicted of defrauding clients out of money for pre-paid funerals, is out on parole, and one of his victims says the tiny community of Crapaud is in shock. “I couldn’t believe it,” said Debbie Matters. “Here’s someone who has stolen over $425,000 from… Read More