The Narco Hack review – an epic tale of how detectives’ tech wizardry smashed a billion-euro drugs ring

The Narco Hack is a three-part documentary about how French, Belgian and Dutch police compromised the encrypted messaging app Sky ECC and used its messages to investigate major criminal organisations. The review presents the operation as a remarkable blend of detective work and technical skill, while raising questions about how far police should go in gathering intelligence before making arrests.

The investigation began to expose killings and extreme abuse discussed on the app, as well as drug and gun networks operating across borders. Police had to balance Belgium’s focus on stopping shipments with France’s effort to identify suspects and build cases, and ultimately uncovered billions of euros, much of it laundered through cryptocurrency. The review also points to a broader debate about the line between useful technology and criminal misuse.