A global police operation has successfully taken down an encrypted communication platform known as Ghost, which was allegedly used by criminals. The operation, led by Europol, involved coordinated raids and technical interventions that resulted in the dismantling of Ghost servers in France and Iceland. According to Europol’s press release on September 18th, Ghost was utilized for various criminal activities such as drug trafficking, money laundering, extreme violence, and organized crime.
As a result of this operation, 51 suspects have been arrested worldwide. Among them are 38 individuals from Australia, 11 from the Republic of Ireland, one from Canada, and one from Italy. Notably, Jay Je Yoon Jung was apprehended in Australia. He is believed to be the creator and administrator of the Ghost platform.
Europol stated that this operation prevented threats to life and led to the dismantling of a drug laboratory in Australia. Additionally, law enforcement authorities recovered weapons, drugs, and over €1 million ($1.1 million) in cash.
Ghost gained popularity among criminal organizations due to its advanced security features. Users could purchase the tool without providing any personal information. The platform employed three encryption standards and offered a self-destruction feature for messages sent on target phones.
Europol estimated that approximately 1,000 messages were exchanged daily on Ghost. To combat this network effectively, an operational task force was established by Europol in March 2022 with participation from law enforcement authorities across several countries including Australia,
Canada,
France,
Ireland,
Italy,
the Netherlands,
Sweden,
and the United States.
Furthermore,a joint investigation team between French and U.S.authorities was formed in January 2024.
Despite FBI involvement in the operation against Ghost’s users’ intercepted messages,no arrests have been made so far within the United States.
Europol’s Deputy Executive Director Jean-Philippe Lecouffe emphasized that this successful takedown not only shuts down the platform but also challenges the notion that crime can operate undetected.
The Irish police force An Garda Síochána reported significant results from their involvement with seized devices linked to Ghost encryption technology along with other electronic devices worth millions of euros as well as cocaine valued at €15.2 million ($16.9 million).
This recent action against Ghost follows previous operations targeting similar platforms like SkyECC and EncroChat,resultingin numerous arrestsand convictions across Europe.The UK’s National Crime Agency did not participateinthis globaloperation,and no arrests were madein Britain unlike duringthe EncroChat takedown.
Europol’s Deputy Executive Director Jean-Philippe Lecouffe expressed determinationto continue taking down such platforms regardless of their sophistication or levelof concealment,reiteratingthatthis isnotthe first nor will it be last successful takedownof its kind.Reuters contributedtothis report
