Sky brings down key players, dismantles Kosovo drug clan

Messages exchanged over the once encrypted communication platform Sky have exposed an organized crime network based in Kosovo, involved in large-scale drug trafficking, the use of forged identification documents, illegal possession of weapons and money laundering across Europe.

This was announced by Europol, stating that intelligence collected during a three-year investigation led to a coordinated operation carried out today in Kosovo, during which five key members of the criminal organization were arrested.

"The operation involved around 150 officers, supported by Europol experts. The organised crime group used an encrypted communication platform to coordinate drug trafficking in several European countries, while maintaining an operational centre in Kosovo. From there, leading members managed criminal activities, coordinated international drug shipments and supervised the laundering of illicit proceeds. This operation represents the latest phase of a long-term investigation supported by Europol through the Operational Task Force (OTF) LIMIT, targeting criminal activities linked to the encrypted platform Sky ECC," Europol said.

It was explained that the investigation was based on the analysis of a large amount of intelligence, including criminal communications exchanged via encrypted platforms.

"By combining this data with operational information collected in multiple countries, investigators identified key members of the network, mapped its criminal infrastructure, and tracked money flows associated with drug trafficking."

"A data-driven approach was key to the operation. Europol analysts worked alongside Kosovo Police experts at Europol headquarters, analysing information and identifying operational links between suspects, criminal activities and assets spread across multiple jurisdictions," the statement said.

It was emphasized that today's action represents the latest operational strike against targeted criminal networks, following a series of coordinated police activities conducted over the past three years.

Since the beginning of the investigation, they say, the investigation has included 42 suspects, 76 facilities have been searched, and property with an estimated value of 80 million euros has been seized.

"The operation is part of a structured operational project within OTF LIMIT, which brings together law enforcement authorities from Belgium, France, Kosovo and the Netherlands, with the support of Europol."

"As organised crime networks increasingly operate across borders, cooperation with partners outside the European Union is becoming crucial to identifying key players, disrupting criminal activities and dismantling criminal networks altogether. Europol facilitated the exchange of information, provided support in operational analysis and coordinated the international cooperation underpinning the investigation. Throughout the operation, investigators and analysts from Belgium, France, Kosovo, the Netherlands and Europol met regularly to analyse intelligence, coordinate operational activities and prepare law enforcement measures. Information was exchanged via Europol's secure communication system - SIENA. For the June 9 operation, Europol deployed an expert to Kosovo to provide real-time operational support and facilitate the exchange of information between the institutions involved," Europol said.