Decrypting the Balkan underworld. A theoretical analysis of encrypted communication in organized crime

By Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fabian ZHILLA
(ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5929-9674)

Abstract

This article delves into the pervasive deployment of encrypted communication platforms within Balkan criminal entities, including Albanian organized crime, offering a meticulous examination and legal scrutiny spanning the period from 2019 to 2023. Focusing primarily on communication channels such as “Matrix,” “Sky ECC,” and “EncroChat,” this study unveils the intricate interplay between these technologies and criminal activities, shedding light on their implications for investigation of such sophisticated organized crime groups. Case studies of Balkan Mafia on the use of EncroChat and Sky ECC during 2019-2022 reveal their unprecedented influence on criminal activities, offering anonymity, non-traceability, and facilitating organized crime on a global scale. This research employs a multifaceted methodology that seamlessly integrates descriptive analysis, literature review, and theoretical exploration. It supports an inclusive perspective, urging scholars and policymakers to move beyond outdated frameworks to effectively combat the evolving impact of organized cybercrime on societies worldwide.
Keywords: cybercrime, Sky ECC, EnroChat, Balkan mafia, Albanian organized crime, hybrid communication, technological shift.