Dark Secrets: How Encrypted Communications Boosted Organised Crime in the Balkans
Encrypted platforms and secure devices have enabled Balkan crime gangs to coordinate trafficking and payments effectively. However, law enforcement agencies have managed to crack several of these platforms, while criminals continuously shift to new tools.
Trial of the Alleged Radoje Zvicer Group
During the October trial in Montenegro involving the alleged Radoje Zvicer criminal group, a key issue was raised concerning evidence from the encrypted Sky ECC communications app, which had been intercepted by authorities.
Challenges with Photo-Based Evidence
Milovan Mihailovic, a ballistics expert, testified that he could not confirm the authenticity of weapons shown in photos obtained from Sky ECC, since he had only examined images without physical access to the firearms.
“In a 30-year career, I have never been tasked with examining weapons solely based on photographs.”
— Milovan Mihailovic, Ballistics Expert
The expert also noted uncertainty about who took the photos and emphasized this method was “unprecedented in Montenegrin courts.” Defense lawyers argued this photo-based evidence was legally unreliable and requested its exclusion.
Prosecution Stance and Court Decision
The prosecution insisted the photographs were lawfully obtained and should be accepted as valid evidence. The court has yet to rule on the admissibility of this evidence.
Summary
Encrypted communication tools have complicated crime investigations in the Balkans, with courts facing new challenges in evidence verification as criminals adopt advanced technologies.
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