How international authorities took out the popular cybercrime platform ‘Ghost’

An international law enforcement operation took down an encrypted cybercrime communication platform known as “Ghost,” and led to dozens of arrests around the world. Australian federal authorities announced Wednesday, Sept. 18, it made 38 arrests in raids across the country while authorities in Canada, Sweden, Ireland and Italy conducted similar raids.

“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,” Ian McCartney, deputy commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, said.

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Australian Federal Police said the operation saved dozens of lives and thwarted worldwide drug trafficking efforts.

“Importantly, the AFP has prevented the death and serious injury of 50 individuals in Australia, because we’ve been able to decrypt these messages,” McCartney said.

Europol, the global task force helping in the effort, said the coalition dismantled a drug lab in Australia and seized drugs, weapons and more than $1 million globally.

“Today we have made it clear that no matter how hidden criminal networks think they are, they can’t evade our collective effort,” Europol’s Executive Director Catherine De Bolle said.

“This was truly a global game of cat and mouse, and today, the game is up,” Europol’s Deputy Executive Director Jean-Phillipe Lecouffe told reporters.

The AFP said the French assisted in decrypting Ghost communications.

“This time, the AFP engineered a new technological solution as the administrator regularly pushed out software updates, the AFT was able to modify those updates,” McCartney said. “In effect, we infected the devices, enabling us to access the content on Australian devices.”

The alleged ringleader of Ghost, Yoon Jung, was arrested at his home on Tuesday, Sept. 17. Authorities accused him of using a network of resellers to offer specialized iPhones to criminals worldwide. The cellphones reportedly sold for nearly $1,600 a piece and included a six-month subscription to the Ghost app as well as technical support.

The app reportedly gained popularity among criminals for its “advanced security features” and its disruption is a major blow to organized cybercrimes globally.

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As the investigation continues, more disruption to illegal activities and arrests are reportedly expected in connection with the cybercrime network.

The Europol-led crackdown includes help from the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Sweden, France, Iceland and the Netherlands.