Australian police arrest alleged crime app mastermind

The alleged mastermind of Ghost, a criminal messaging app, has been arrested in Australia.

Police

Australian authorities have charged a Sydney man with creating and managing an encrypted messaging app, Ghost, allegedly used by global crime networks. The man, 32, was arrested in western Sydney and appeared in court on Wednesday, facing multiple charges related to the platform’s role in organised crime. Ghost is said to have been used by syndicates from Australia, the Middle East, and South Korea for drug trafficking and contract killings.

Police, in collaboration with international forces, carried out extensive raids across Australia and beyond, with searches also conducted in Italy, Ireland, Sweden, and Canada. Up to 50 Australians allegedly involved with Ghost are now facing charges, with significant prison terms expected. More arrests are anticipated in both Australia and abroad.

Authorities have made a breakthrough by cracking Ghost’s encryption, preventing the deaths or serious injuries of 50 individuals in Australia. This marks the first time an Australian has been accused of running a global criminal messaging platform, a major milestone in the country’s fight against organised crime.

The Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner highlighted the complex nature of dismantling encrypted communication platforms. The success in accessing evidence from Ghost represents a major achievement in efforts to disrupt global criminal activity.