Teens sell 'encrypted' phones using Redmi devices and VPNs

'Encrypted' Phones: A Redmi, a VPN, and Teenage Sellers

A 16-year-old and a 19-year-old launched a three-day business selling "encrypted" phones promising "100% anonymity." The catalog is far from military-grade. It consists of a Redmi Note 11, a Samsung Galaxy A32, and a Redmi Note 7 with factory settings, a VPN, and extra profiles for "more anonymity." They call it Encrypta2 and promote it wherever they can: messaging apps, forums, and videos once they secure ten orders.

The pitch promised an algorithm encoding data before the recipient decodes it with a key. Simply put: information travels in code hiding what you send, receive, or store. The package includes defense against malware, data breaches, hacking, eavesdropping, and mobile data protection. On paper, total anonymity. In reality, a mid-range phone with default settings.

What's Inside These 'Encrypted' Phones?

The seller breaks down the recipe: a VPN against tracking, system-default encryption, additional profiles to distribute identities, and a supposed "communication radius," later clarified as satellite calls he hasn't tested yet, meaning it's "not 100% secure." For messaging, three known encrypted apps: Signal, Dark Mail, and Redphone.

The main sales argument is that the device encrypts stored and sent data, so USB extraction attempts yield protected material. There is one timing issue: the product doesn't exist as stock yet. The order for ten phones hasn't arrived, so the promised demo relies on tests done on a friend's Redmi Note 11. Trust me, I've tested it, implies the message.

Why Tech Experts Are Skeptical

The technical response was quick and blunt. An industry insider summarized that this offers little more than Samsung Knox with a VPN, essentially what comes pre-installed on most smartphones. The comparison stings because it places the alleged security product on par with free manufacturer software.

The USB claim also failed scrutiny: any phone with a screen lock prevents content viewing, so selling that as encryption is like selling a closed door as a safe. Regarding the OS base, the Stagefright case was cited: a flaw allowing Android infection just by being on and knowing the number. Device encryption doesn't patch OS holes. Those wanting more, another user added, should use root, LineageOS, zero Google services, and firewalls.

Who Buys Encrypted Phones in a Hurry?

The conversation turned interesting and uncomfortable. The Encrochat case was brought up: networks of encrypted terminals used by drug traffickers exposed when police compromised the encryption, risking conversations becoming court evidence. According to those who handled them, these were BQ phones with modified Android, privacy antiestéticatures, and wipe functions, but reliant on a central server: the same old weak point.

Another name mentioned is Cellebrite. As noted, Spanish forces (Guardia Civil, Tax Agency, National Police) use this Israeli forensic extraction software, with €2.5 million spent training 60 agents in device analysis. Additionally, European regulations mandate backdoors for messaging providers, and prepaid cards require ID since the 11-M attacks. Any anonymity promise clashes with this wall.

Price Irrelevant Without Customers

The most repeated commercial advice was brutal yet sensible: those needing truly opaque phones don't care if it costs €200 or €2,000; they don't buy via ads, they inherit via hand-to-hand notes. Absolute discretion isn't advertised. The seller admitted distribution is his weakness, thinking TikTok and forums would suffice.

There are layers beyond the device. Small phones hide easily, but ultimately "it's healthier to look normal and be a drop in an ocean of irrelevance." Standing out puts a target on your back. Real big fish, users note, don't use special phones: they pay insiders in courts to delay files.

Given this landscape, the question isn't whether the product encrypts better than Knox. It's how long until the first customer discovers, the hard way, what they actually bought.