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Search warrants were executed across Australia as part of a global takedown operation against an encrypted, organised crime network.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has charged a 32-year-old NSW man for his alleged role in the creation and administration of Ghost – a dedicated, global criminal messaging network built around specialised encrypted handsets.
The man was charged at his Narwee home on 17 September with five offences relating to the operation of the network.
At the same time, as part of Operation Kraken, 700 AFP officers executed or assisted in executing 71 search warrants in Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, and the ACT.
Police seized 25 illicit weapons and more than 200 kilograms of illicit drugs and made 38 arrests.
Other police operations related to the Ghost network takedown have taken place in Ireland, Italy, Sweden, and Canada, and more arrests – both local and abroad – are expected in the following days.
The AFP alleges that the NSW man used a network of international resellers to distribute the specialised handsets. The modified smartphones could be bought for around $2,350 and were used to sell drugs, launder money, and even arrange killings and other violent crimes.
Ghost had been in operation since 2015, and Europol established an international taskforce targeting the network in 2022 when the AFP was invited to participate. The AFP was then able to infiltrate the network via regular software updates to the devices, which the AFP modified to be able to eavesdrop on criminal communications on the network.
“Over the past two days, about 700 AFP members have executed and assisted in search warrants across four states to arrest those who have used a dedicated encrypted communications platform named Ghost,” AFP Deputy Commissioner Ian McCartney said in a statement.
“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.
“I want to acknowledge all the AFP members who have been involved in this operation – from investigators, intelligence members, tech experts and all other support capabilities.
“Taking down dedicated encrypted communication devices takes significant skill.
“But the holy grail is always penetrating criminal platforms to access evidence – and this is where the AFP is world leading.”
Deputy Commissioner McCartney said that as the AFP was able to read messages on the network, it was able to prevent the murder or serious injury of 50 Australians.
Europol executive director Catherine De Bolle said that no matter how secure criminals think they are, “they can’t evade our collective effort”.
“This operation is what Europol is all about: turning collaboration into concrete results by bringing together the right people, tools and expertise to address every aspect of this complex operation,” De Bolle said.
“The work carried out is part of our ongoing commitment to tackling organised crime wherever it operates. I want to extend my gratitude to all our global partners who played a vital role in making this operation a success.”
The NSW man allegedly behind the Ghost network will appear in Downing Centre Local Court today, 18 September. If found guilty of all charges, the man could face a jail term of up to 26 years.
David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.
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