Met Police Nail Two Drug Kingpins in Massive EncroChat Bust
Two major drug traffickers have been found guilty of smuggling over a tonne of cocaine into the UK and plotting a contract murder. The convictions come after one of the largest EncroChat investigations ever led by Metropolitan Police detectives.
Drug Lords Exposed in Deadly Plot
James Harding, 34, from Alton, Hampshire, and Jayes Kharouti, 39, were convicted at The Old Bailey. Detectives uncovered their detailed assassination plot against a rival drug courier alongside their massive drug trafficking operation worth millions.
Harding, nicknamed “thetopsking” on EncroChat, ran a £5 million drug empire from Dubai. Kharouti, known as “besttops,” admitted drug offences last November and was also found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder.
Encrypted Chats Crack the Case
The multi-year probe relied on cracking the once-impenetrable EncroChat platform. Police intercepted encrypted messages discussing cocaine shipments and plans to hire hitmen, secure firearms, and organise getaway vehicles.
Detective Chief Inspector Jim Casey said: “This conviction sends a clear message: no matter how sophisticated the methods, criminals cannot hide behind encrypted software… We acted swiftly to protect those in danger after uncovering the hit plan.”
Massive Cocaine Haul Revealed
The pair were involved in around 50 imports of cocaine, totalling about one tonne, between April and June 2020. Harding was arrested at Geneva Airport in December 2021 and extradited to the UK for trial.
Both men are due to be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 26 June.
EncroChat Crackdown Continues
Since law enforcement cracked EncroChat in 2020, over 500 criminals have been convicted by the Met, leading to more than 5,000 years of combined sentences.
Detective Inspector Driss Hayoukane QPM praised officers’ persistence: “Thanks to the tenacity and commitment from Met officers… we will continue to pursue those who profit from bringing harm to our communities.”
This high-profile victory marks another blow in the fight against organised crime and encrypted communication platforms.
