Grid Sparta

The 'Underworld IT Department' Allegedly Supplying Sydney's Most Dangerous Criminals

#gridsparta #bikies #vipocn NSW Police have dismantled an alleged criminal network accused of supplying encrypted phones to some of the state's most dangerous organised crime groups. Investigators allege the VIP Organised Crime Network (VIP OCN) imported specialised phones from China, installed customised encrypted operating systems, and sold the devices to organised crime figures across Sydney. Police allege the encrypted phones, known as Dedicated Encrypted Criminal Communication Devices (DECCDs), were specifically modified for anonymous communication and were widely used to facilitate drug trafficking, kidnappings, shootings, murders and other serious organised crime while helping users avoid law enforcement detection. According to investigators, each phone sold for around $2,000, with the alleged syndicate generating an estimated $2 million a year by selling about 1,000 devices annually. The investigation, led by Strike Force Harskamp, resulted in search warrants across several Sydney suburbs, where detectives seized more than 95 encrypted devices, almost $35,000 in cash and several luxury watches. Four men have been charged and refused bail. Police say they have identified more than 3,000 encrypted devices distributed through the alleged network. Rather than simply seizing the phones, investigators took control of the network and sent a warning message directly to approximately 3,000 active devices, notifying users that police had linked the phones to the alleged suppliers and would continue identifying and investigating those connected to the network. Authorities say the devices are believed to have contained encrypted messaging apps such as Signal, Telegram and Discord, platforms increasingly exploited by organised crime groups for secure communications. Police and experts have also warned that similar encrypted apps, along with online games such as Fortnite and Roblox, are being used to recruit vulnerable teenagers into organised crime by promising easy money and status before allegedly directing them to commit serious offences. Detectives believe dismantling the alleged VIP phone network has removed a major communications tool relied upon by organised crime groups across New South Wales. However, police say the investigation is only beginning, with thousands of encrypted devices now under examination. Investigators expect the intelligence recovered from those devices to lead to further arrests, identify additional criminal networks, and uncover offences that may have remained hidden for years. Follow Grid Sparta on Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GridSparta Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GridSparta Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/GridSparta Reditt: https://www.reddit.com/r/Gridsparta