Australian federal police have dismantled a global criminal platform, arresting its alleged mastermind and disrupting illicit activities such as drug trafficking and contract killings.
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| Australian authorities have successfully infiltrated a messaging app used by criminal networks, leading to arrests and the prevention of violence. Symbolic image |
Canberra, Australia – September 18, 2024:
In a groundbreaking move, Australian federal police have arrested and charged a 32-year-old man with creating and managing a messaging app used by international organized crime syndicates. This is the first case of its kind in Australia, highlighting the country's increasing role in combating global criminal networks.
The accused man, who was apprehended in western Sydney, is alleged to have developed and operated the Ghost messaging platform. Police believe that the app was utilized by various criminal gangs and syndicates in the Middle East, Australia, and South Korea to facilitate drug trafficking, contract killings, and other illicit activities.
According to Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Ian McCartney, "Taking down dedicated encrypted communication devices takes significant skill." He emphasized the importance of penetrating such platforms to gather crucial evidence against criminal organizations.
This marks the first instance of an Australian individual being accused of developing and running a global criminal platform. The arrest follows a two-day operation involving raids in four Australian states and territories, as well as coordinated searches in Ireland, Italy, Sweden, and Canada.
Up to 50 alleged Australian offenders who used the Ghost app are also facing charges, including potential lengthy prison sentences. Police anticipate more arrests both domestically and internationally in the coming days.
By cracking Ghost's encryption, authorities claim to have prevented the death or serious injury of 50 individuals in Australia. This significant achievement underscores the potential impact of disrupting such platforms and targeting their creators.
The arrest of the alleged mastermind and the subsequent charges highlight Australia's commitment to combating transnational crime and protecting its citizens from harm. As investigations continue, it remains to be seen how this case will unfold and what further implications it may have for the global fight against organized crime.