Major law enforcement actions unfolded recently as the Australian Federal Police (AFP) took on the dark underbelly of crime utilizing encrypted communications. This large-scale operation, intriguingly dubbed Operation Kraken, came to light as police infiltrated the Ghost network, known for being the communication tool of choice among serious criminals involved in drug trafficking, murder, and other illegal activities.
On September 18, 2024, approximately 700 AFP officers, spearheaded by the agency’s Deputy Commissioner Ian McCartney, stormed more than 70 locations across various Australian states, leading to the arrest of around 50 individuals. The operation’s staggering reach wasn't limited to Australia; it also extended internationally, encompassing coordinated raids and collaborations with law enforcement agencies from nine other countries including Ireland and Italy.
Before the arrests, police disclosed they had managed to monitor over 120,000 messages exchanged through the Ghost app after surreptitiously accessing its encrypted data. The method behind this infiltration involved modifying software updates sent to Ghost devices which enabled officers to tap directly onto the communications supposedly safeguarded by the app.
The Ghost application was alleged to have served as the lifeline for some of the most dangerous organizations, with users ranging from Italian Mafia members to outlaw motorcycle gangs and even Korean criminal groups. AFP’s McCartney highlighted, “We allege hundreds of criminals, including those affiliated with Italian organized crime and Middle Eastern organized crime, have used Ghost to import illicit drugs and coordinate killings.” Clearly, the breaches by law enforcement posed enormous threats to these networks, with reports showing Operation Kraken alone prevented around 50 potentially lethal assaults.
One figure central to this saga is Jay Je Yoon Jung, 32, who stands accused of masterminding the Ghost app. Arrested from his parents' suburban home, Jung allegedly developed the app when he was just 23, cleverly marketing it to crime organizations eager for secure communications. He charged around AUD $2,350 (approximately EUR 1,427) for specialized encrypted phones needed to access the Ghost network. Jung's arrest has sparked discussions about the intersection of technology and crime, as law enforcement officials describe him less as hardened criminal and more as the “computer geek” behind the curtain.
Jung faced multiple charges including facilitating organized crime, and if convicted, he could potentially face up to 10 years behind bars. Despite the gravity of his charges, reports from neighbors depict him as quiet and unassuming, the stereotypical “perfect son,” dedicated to his family's cleaning business and known for his love of karaoke.
According to police accounts, the Ghost application was not merely used for petty crimes, but also for sophisticated and heinous acts such as drug trafficking and potential murders, representing significant threats to public safety. McCartney stated, “The lives of many serious criminals dramatically changed when they realized their phone—and those who vouched for it—had betrayed them.”
Meanwhile, as investigations continued, it was revealed law enforcement had identified about 376 Ghost devices operating within Australia alone, along with 600 globally. The breadth of the findings indicates how widespread this network had permeated not just Australian territory but the international crime scene.
The global ramifications of the operation were underscored by statements from key international officials. Catherine De Bolle, director of Europol, remarked, “Today we have made it clear, no matter how hidden criminal networks think they are, they can’t evade our collective effort.” This cooperation across borders has highlighted the importance of global partnerships as police forces tackle organized crime on multiple fronts.
Operation Kraken marks yet another victory for law enforcement against criminal entities utilizing technology to cloak their activities. It joins the ranks of previous successful operations against encrypted platforms, including EncroChat and AN0M, which were previously targeted and dismantled over the past several years, illustrating the ever-evolving nature of criminal operations and law enforcement’s persistent response. The interconnected nature of organized crime and its reliance on clever technology poses immense challenges yet amplifies law enforcement's determination to adapt and combat it effectively.
With the crackdowns forming part of broader global efforts to tackle drug trafficking and organized crime, the AFP remains committed, stating unequivocally: “We will be ever-present to disrupt and target organized crime both in Australia and offshore.” Continued investigations are anticipated as authorities aim to dismantle remaining networks utilizing Ghost and similar applications.
While the future for many individuals arrested, including Jung, hangs uncertain, one thing is clear: law enforcement is doubling down on its commitment to clamp down on the dark side of technology and the criminal enterprises thriving under its cover.
