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The AFP has had a busy day after helping take down an international criminal networking group allegedly run by an Australian man.
We reported earlier on the multinational operation to take down an encrypted criminal messaging network allegedly run by a NSW man after the Australian Federal Police was able to infiltrate the network’s communications.
The AFP announced earlier today (18 September) that Operation Kraken had led to the arrest of a 32-year-old man for allegedly creating and running the Ghost network – a criminal enterprise that allowed organised crime gangs to communicate via specially modified smartphones.
Since then, the AFP has revealed several arrests and asset seizures following the Ghost investigation.
Here’s the fallout so far today:
Melbourne arrests
The Victorian Joint Organised Crime Taskforce, made up of members of Victoria Police and AFP, arrested three alleged members of Victorian “criminal syndicate” as part of the related Operation Kraken-Rishi.
Police allege the men used the Ghost network to distribute illicit drugs, including methamphetamine and MDMA, across the state.
The arrests were made on 17 September at Docklands, Keysborough, and Dallas. Search warrants were at two homes and various businesses related to the individuals, and one kilogram of cocaine, electronic devices, $34,000 in case, and a Glock 26 pistol and ammunition were all seized.
The men had previously been charged for their role in the drug distribution operation, but were arrested again yesterday.
Sydney syndicate smashed
Operation Kraken-Concordia was responsible for the arrest of a 24-year-old Mortlake man over the alleged sale of 157 of the Ghost encrypted devices throughout NSW.
A 31-year-old Dulwich Hill man was also arrested for the alleged reselling of the devices, as well as being a “significant financial backer” of several drug trafficking syndicates.
The AFP alleges the men were involved in two drug trafficking operations – Pot Run Operations and Flower Power, both responsible for moving sizable amounts of illicit substances.
Search warrants were executed on 17 September, and large quantities of drugs, cash, and mobile phones were seized.
Fake terrorist plot foiled
Six men allegedly involved in the drug trade were arrested by NSW Police on 17 September and charged with a total of 43 offences.
Police allege that messages found on encrypted Ghost devices detailed a plot to create a false terrorist plot – talking about acquiring firearms and explosives, as well as “flags with terrorist insignia” – in order to get charges withdrawn regarding another individual involved in a separate matter with the police.
$2m seized in Western Australia
The AFP-led Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce restrained $2 million in property currency in August 2024.
The assets were linked to a Perth man alleged to be a user of the Ghost platform.
The AFP said that investigations are ongoing.
West Australian man charged
Another man from Western Australia has been charged by the AFP for refusing to provide access to a smartphone thought to be a part of the Ghost network.
The 55-year-old man was charged in Perth Magistrates Court on 17 September after police executed a search warrant at his Heathridge property and found the suspected Ghost device hidden in a chest of drawers.
Tobacco import ring busted
Operation Kraken-Ryloth saw a pair of Victorian men arrested for their involvement in an alleged plot to import more than 7 million illicit cigarettes into the country.
The pair were using the encrypted Ghost network to coordinate the importation with criminal groups outside the country, likely in Vietnam and India.
Several search warrants were executed on 17 September in South Yarra and Fraser Rise, which saw electronic devices, several encrypted devices, and $60,000 in a case believed to be criminal proceeds.
SA man arrested over alleged drug offences
A 33-year-old South Australian man was arrested following Operation Kraken-Veron, charged over alleged drug trafficking and money laundering.
The AFP South Australia Police executed a search warrant at the man’s Henley Beach residence and confiscated $150,000 and nearly three kilograms of methamphetamine. Police also found what they suspect to be several encrypted devices used by the man to communicate with other criminals at home and abroad.
Investigations are likely ongoing, and it’s likely these aren’t the last arrests linked to Operation Kraken and the Ghost messaging platform.
You can read more about the full operation here.
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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