The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have arrested Jay Je Yoon Jung, a 32-year-old Sydney resident, accused of masterminding Ghost, an encrypted messaging platform allegedly used by organised crime networks.
Jung, described as a "computer geek" living with his parents, was taken into custody during a large-scale, two-day operation spanning multiple Australian states, including NSW, Victoria, WA, South Australia, and the ACT.
Ghost, the platform at the center of the operation, was reportedly designed to facilitate encrypted communications among criminal elements, including bikie gangs, mafia figures, and organised crime groups from Korea and the Middle East.
AFP's Deputy Commissioner of Crime Ian McCartney and Assistant Commissioner Kirsty Schofield revealed that the raids involved approximately 700 AFP members and led to the arrest of up to 50 individuals.
These individuals face charges related to drug trafficking, money laundering, ordering murders, and other serious crimes facilitated through Ghost.
The AFP alleges that Jung charged $2,350 for a six-month subscription to Ghost, which included access to encrypted text, photos, videos, and voice messages. The platform, operational since 2015, was reportedly compromised by law enforcement through a technique involving the infection of devices to decrypt communications.
McCartney and Schofield highlighted the impact of their operation, noting that they prevented significant violence and potentially saved 50 lives by disrupting the platform. The AFP praised international collaboration with agencies such as the FBI, French Gendarmerie, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and others for their support in the investigation.
Jung faces five charges, including supporting a criminal organisation and dealing with suspected criminal proceeds. Authorities also seized modified smartphones used to access Ghost, which were sold with a six-month subscription and tech support.
The raids, including one at Jung's Narwee home, were conducted to prevent him from destroying evidence. Jung is scheduled to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday. Meanwhile, similar operations are underway in Ireland, Italy, Sweden, and Canada.