Bangkok, Sep 18 (EFE).- The alleged mastermind behind encrypted messaging app Ghost, which Australian police allege was “built solely for the criminal underworld,” is one of dozens arrested in the country during a large international operation, authorities announced on Wednesday.
An undated handout photo from the Australian Federal Police shows an arrest made during Operation Kraken in Australia. EFE/HANDOUT/Australian Federal Police
In addition to raids in recent days by 700 police force members over four Australian states that resulted in 38 arrests, simultaneous actions were also carried out in Canada, Ireland, Italy and Sweden, the Australian Federal Police said in a statement.
A 32-year-old unnamed creator and administrator of Ghost was arrested at his home in Sydney and was to appear in court Wednesday facing five charges, including supporting a criminal organization.
Police allege the administrator used a “network of resellers to offer specialized handsets to criminals across the globe. The handsets, which were a modified smartphone, were sold for about AU$2,350 ($1,600), which included a six-month subscription to an encrypted network and tech support.”
Up to 50 alleged Australian offenders accused of using Ghost are facing serious charges as part of Operation Kraken, police said.
“We allege hundreds of criminals, including Italian organized crime, outlaw motorcycle gang members, Middle Eastern organized crime and Korean organized crime have used Ghost in Australia and overseas to import illicit drugs and order killings,” AFP Deputy Commissioner Ian McCartney said.
The AFP infiltrated Ghost by modifying the app’s software updates, allowing the police to access content, it said.
The authorities of the Oceanian country, who also seized 200 kilograms of drugs, 25 firearms and AU$1.2 million in this operation, expect more arrests in the coming days, both domestically and internationally.
Europol Executive Director Catherine De Bolle highlighted in the same statement the success of this operation.
“Today we have made it clear that no matter how hidden criminal networks think they are, they can’t evade our collective effort,” she said.
“Law enforcement from nine countries, together with Europol, have dismantled a tool which was a lifeline for serious organized crime.” EFE
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