Man (45) sentenced in court for offences linked to EncroChat

Joseph Dornan appeared before Londonderry Crown Court today, 25 September, having been charged with offences linked to EncroChat, an encrypted phone network used by criminals.  

The investigation and today’s subsequent sentencing stems from Operation Venetic which, led by the National Crime Agency and backed by European law enforcement agencies, successfully infiltrated the EncroChat network.

Today, the 45-year-old defendant was sentenced to 44 months, half of which will be served in custody and half on licence.

Detective Inspector McCamley from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Organised Crime Branch said: “EncroChat was an encrypted phone network used by organised crime groups to plan illegal activity, typically drug importation and the movement of cash.”

He continued: “Joseph Dornan was arrested in May 2021 following the search of a property in Ahoghill.  Here, a number of mobile phones and documents were seized.   

“An extensive examination of messages on the encrypted phone network revealed the defendant’s involvement in an international drug distribution network, as well as the movement of a large sum of money, namely over £100,000.  

“Earlier this year, Dornan pleaded guilty to drugs-related offences, including being concerned in the supply of a Class A controlled drug, and the transfer of criminal property.”  

Detective Inspector McCamley added: “Throughout this case we have worked closely with partners, including prosecutors from the Public Prosecution Service and the National Crime Agency. 

“It’s thanks to such collective efforts, backed by the expertise of detectives from the Police Service’s Cyber Crime Centre and the Economic Crime Unit, that we were able to bring Dornan before the court.

“This is a welcome milestone, and a reflection of our ongoing commitment to bring those involved in criminal activity to justice. Working with partners, we will continue to disrupt the movements and activities of organised crime groups, who bring nothing but harm to the most vulnerable within our communities.”