Biker figure jailed for drug trafficking via encrypted SKY ECC chat
A prominent figure from the Danish biker community is accused of smuggling large quantities of cannabis to Denmark via SKY ECC. He is remanded in custody for four weeks.
Biker figure arrested early morning and brought before court
A top figure from the Danish biker community is, according to police, behind the smuggling of large quantities of narcotics to Denmark. This emerged on Thursday afternoon when the man was brought before the court, accompanied by several police officers.
Ekstra Bladet reports that the man denies guilt. Despite protests from the prosecution and the media present – including Ekstra Bladet – a name ban was imposed.
Encrypted service used for trafficking
The charge states that the man, several years ago, together with a number of unidentified accomplices, used the encrypted chat service SKY ECC to facilitate the smuggling of cannabis to Denmark for resale purposes. Furthermore, he is charged with attempting to sell cocaine to an unknown person via the same service.
The man was arrested on Thursday morning at five minutes to seven – despite the alleged criminal conduct having taken place several years ago.
The prosecution emphasised during the court hearing that the investigation is still in an early stage, and on that basis requested the hearing be held in camera.
Name ban following legal dispute
Before the doors were closed, a remarkable exchange took place regarding the defence's request for a name ban. Senior prosecutor Mathias Vestergaard Andersen argued that the case is in the public interest owing to the seriousness of the crime and the accused's role and standing in his organisation. Defence counsel Ulrik Lunn argued conversely in favour of protecting the accused against unnecessary harm through the publication of his name. The court sided with the defence's position.
The accused observed the proceedings wearing a grey Boss tracksuit.
Remanded in custody until 22 October
After the court hearing, the man was remanded in custody for four weeks on the grounds of the risk of interference with the investigation. He remains in custody until 22 October.
SKY ECC used in several Danish criminal cases
For a number of years, SKY ECC was widely used in criminal circles to exchange messages and files without the knowledge of the authorities. In 2021, law enforcement authorities in several countries – in cooperation with Europol – managed to gain access to the service's data. Since then, this data has been used as evidence in numerous Danish cases, which have already resulted in convictions. Whether the same will happen in the current case depends on whether the case goes to full trial.
Source: Ekstra Bladet