14/01/2026
Man Extradited From Spain To Face 91 Charges In EncroChat Probe
A 40-year-old man has been extradited from Spain to Northern Ireland to face a total of 91 criminal charges related to organised crime.
The suspect was returned on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, following a successful joint operation between the PSNI and international law enforcement partners.
The charges stem from a long-running investigation by the PSNI's Organised Crime Unit into the use of the EncroChat encrypted communications platform. The man is accused of a range of serious offences, including:
- Conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs.
- Possession and acquisition of criminal property.
- Transferring criminal property (money laundering).
The investigation is part of a broader crackdown on organised crime groups that utilised encrypted handsets to coordinate illegal activities. The suspect was initially arrested in Spain on 1 October 2025, and remained in custody there until extradition proceedings were finalised this week.
Sergeant Davey from the International Policing Unit commented: "These very serious offences have been identified as a result of years of detailed investigations by both National and International law enforcement partners working alongside the PSNI's Organised Crime Unit.
"This extradition demonstrates our commitment to tracking down persons wanted here in Northern Ireland. In this case, PSNI worked closely with the UK's Joint International Crime Centre and Spain's Policía Nacional to locate, arrest and extradite this suspect."
The PSNI reiterated that they will continue to work with the National Crime Agency (NCA) and international agencies to ensure there is "no hiding place" for those involved in serious criminality.
The suspect was returned on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, following a successful joint operation between the PSNI and international law enforcement partners.
The charges stem from a long-running investigation by the PSNI's Organised Crime Unit into the use of the EncroChat encrypted communications platform. The man is accused of a range of serious offences, including:
- Conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs.
- Possession and acquisition of criminal property.
- Transferring criminal property (money laundering).
Sergeant Davey from the International Policing Unit commented: "These very serious offences have been identified as a result of years of detailed investigations by both National and International law enforcement partners working alongside the PSNI's Organised Crime Unit.
"This extradition demonstrates our commitment to tracking down persons wanted here in Northern Ireland. In this case, PSNI worked closely with the UK's Joint International Crime Centre and Spain's Policía Nacional to locate, arrest and extradite this suspect."
The PSNI reiterated that they will continue to work with the National Crime Agency (NCA) and international agencies to ensure there is "no hiding place" for those involved in serious criminality.
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