‘Truebaker’ and ‘Shallowfrog’ latest to be jailed following Encrochat hack into £8 million drug ring

Two drug dealers using the aliases ‘Truebaker’ and ‘Shallowfrog’ are the latest to be jailed following the Europe-wide hack into the Encrochat system. Michael Taylor and his trusted courier Shaun Lewis were involved in an £8 million drug dealing operation.

Over three months, both were involved in buying 200 kilos of cocaine, 61 kilos of cannabis and moving over £300,000 of their ill-gotten cash.

The street value of the drugs is estimated to be around £8 million, Manchester Crown Court heard.

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Their sordid drug dealing operation came to an end following the authority-led takedown of the encrypted network, Encrochat, in 2020. After analysing their phones, officers found messages between them which detailed their entire operation .

Taylor, using the name ‘Truebaker’ orchestrated the operation, using Lewis, also known as ‘Shallowfrog’ as a courier and storeman.

Both were arrested and interviewed in December 2022

Taylor, 43, from Newton Heath has been jailed for 10 years and Lewis, 55, from Liverpool has been jailed for 6 years after they were both found guilty of conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

Detective Inspector Paul Crompton of GMP Serious Organised Crime Group said: “These criminals thought they were safe, operating below the radar, hidden behind perceived anonymity whilst they conducted their criminal businesses using encrypted phones.

“Unfortunately for them, a series of once encrypted messages and a meticulous investigation by my team revealed an evidence trail that has landed them both in jail.

“The levels of violence and exploitation linked to the illegal drugs supply in the UK is not to be underestimated, not only are we going after