Australian police crack encrypted app “Ghost,” leading to global arrests and charges against alleged criminal mastermind.
At a Glance
- Australian police infiltrated “Ghost,” an encrypted app allegedly designed for criminal use
- Jay Je Yoon Jung, the app’s alleged administrator, faces charges of supporting criminal organizations
- 38 suspects arrested in Australia, with additional arrests in Canada, Sweden, Ireland, and Italy
- Operation prevented 50 potential violent crimes and identified key figures in criminal networks
International Sting Operation Unveils Criminal Communications Network
Australian law enforcement has dealt a significant blow to organized crime by infiltrating the encrypted communications app “Ghost.” The operation, which involved collaboration with international agencies, has led to numerous arrests and charges worldwide. At the center of this investigation is Jay Je Yoon Jung, the alleged administrator of the app, who now faces serious legal consequences.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) conducted raids across four states, resulting in the arrest of 38 suspects. The operation’s reach extended beyond Australian borders, with arrests also made in Canada, Sweden, Ireland, and Italy. This coordinated effort highlights the global nature of modern criminal networks and the importance of international cooperation in combating organized crime.
Australian police infiltrate encrypted messaging app Ghost and arrest dozens https://t.co/TtGvYxvKLB
— The Associated Press (@AP) September 18, 2024
Preventing Violence and Disrupting Criminal Activities
The infiltration of the Ghost app has had far-reaching consequences for criminal organizations. Australian police report that by monitoring over 125,000 messages and 120 video calls since March, they have prevented approximately 50 people from being killed, kidnapped, or seriously harmed. This breakthrough in surveillance has provided law enforcement with unprecedented insight into the operations of various criminal groups.
“We allege hundreds of criminals including Italian organized crime, 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,” McCartney told reporters.
The Ghost app, allegedly developed by Jung in 2017 specifically for criminal use, was utilized by a diverse array of organized crime groups. These groups relied on the app’s promised security to coordinate drug imports and even plan violent acts. The infiltration of this network represents a significant victory in the ongoing battle against transnational crime.
Technical Ingenuity and International Collaboration
The success of this operation was made possible through a combination of technical expertise and international cooperation. Australia joined a Europol-led global taskforce targeting Ghost in 2022, with French officers providing crucial technical resources to help decrypt the communications.
“In effect, we infected the devices, enabling us to access the content on Australian devices,” McCartney said, adding that the alleged administrator lived in his parents’ Sydney home and had no police record. – Source
Australian police technicians modified software updates to gain access to content on devices used by suspects in Australia. This innovative approach allowed law enforcement to bypass the app’s security measures and gather critical evidence. The operation’s success demonstrates the evolving capabilities of law enforcement in the digital age and serves as a warning to those who believe they can operate with impunity behind encrypted barriers.
