CEO who sold phones with “totally unbreakable encryption” takes plea deal

Enlarge (credit: Hikan Dahlstrim)

The Canadian executive of a 10-year-old company that marketed its purportedly secure BlackBerry services to thousands of criminals (who paid at least $4,000 per year, per device) has pleaded guilty to a racketeering conspiracy charge, federal prosecutors in San Diego said Tuesday.

Vincent Ramos admitted that his company "facilitated the distribution" of hard drugs around the world by providing hardened BlackBerry devices "designed to thwart law enforcement."

In October 2016, for example, the company advertised: "Phantom Secure is a high-end communication service designed for sophisticated and exclusive executives who need an effective and proven solution for their mobile concerns," adding, "No identification is required for purchase."

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