The Australian creator of an encrypted app allegedly used by criminals around the world has been arrested in an operation involving hundreds of police officers here and overseas.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) Deputy Commissioner Ian McCartney said the alleged mastermind behind the secret app was detained during a global takedown of the encrypted communications network.
Deputy Commissioner McCartney said through Operation Kraken, a 32-year-old New South Wales man had been charged for creating and administering Ghost, a dedicated encrypted communication platform, which the AFP alleges was built solely for the criminal underworld.
He said about 700 AFP members executed search warrants and provided support during two days of action across four Australian states and territories yesterday and today (September 17 and 18).
“Near-simultaneous police action is being undertaken in Ireland, Italy, Sweden and Canada.”
Deputy Commissioner McCartney said up to 50 alleged Australian offenders accused of using Ghost were facing serious charges, including significant prison sentences.
He said more Australian and international arrests were expected over the coming days.
“It will be alleged the Australian offenders who used Ghost were trafficking illicit drugs, money laundering, ordering killings or threatening serious violence.
“In Australia, the AFP prevented about 50 threats to kill/harm.”
Deputy Commissioner McCartney said Operation Kraken was law enforcement’s latest takedown of a dedicated encrypted communications platform.
He said the likes of EncroChat, Sky Global, Phantom Secure, AN0M and now Ghost – all platforms used by transnational serious organised crime – had been dismantled over the past decade.
“However, it is the first time an Australian-based person is accused of being an alleged mastermind and administrator of a global criminal platform, of which the AFP was able to decrypt and read messages.”
Deputy Commissioner McCartney said most of the alleged offenders who used Ghost were in NSW, however Ghost users were also in Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia and the ACT.
He said results from Operation Kraken included:
- 38 arrests.
- 71 search warrants conducted.
- Intervening in 50 threats to life/threats to harm.
- Seizing more than 200kg of illicit drugs.
- Seizing 25 illicit firearms/weapons.
“We allege hundreds of criminals, including Italian organised crime, outlaw motorcycle gang members, Middle Eastern organised crime and Korean organised crime have used Ghost in Australia and overseas to import illicit drugs and order killings.”
