Ghost cybercrime platform dismantled, administrator charged

Law enforcement agencies have successfully dismantled “Ghost,” an advanced encrypted communications platform reportedly designed solely for criminal use.

The operation, codenamed “Kraken,” resulted in the arrest of the platform’s alleged mastermind and administrator, a 32-year-old man from New South Wales, Australia.

The takedown of Ghost was the result of extensive international cooperation. Led by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the operation involved law enforcement agencies from Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Canada and other countries.

This coordinated effort demonstrates that global partnerships are increasingly effective in the fight against transnational organized crime.

Ghost, which operated for about nine years, provided encrypted communications services to criminals around the world.

The platform sold modified smartphones for around $2,350, including a six-month subscription to its encrypted network and technical support. As of September 17, 2024, there were reportedly 376 active units in Australia alone.

Operation Kraken

The alleged administrator faces five charges, including supporting a criminal organization and dealing with suspected proceeds of crime. If found guilty, he could face a significant prison sentence, with the most serious charge carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years.

Decoding Compliance: What CISOs Need to Know – Join a free webinar

In addition to the administrator, another 50 alleged Australian Ghost users are facing serious charges. These individuals are accused of a variety of crimes, including drug trafficking, money laundering, ordering murders or threatening serious violence.

Operation Impact

• 38 arrests
• 71 search warrants executed
• Prevention of more than 50 threats to life/harm
• Seizure of over 200 kg of illegal drugs
• Seizure of 25 illegal firearms/weapons

The AFP’s success in infiltrating Ghost marks a major achievement in law enforcement’s fight against encrypted criminal networks.

By modifying software updates released by the administrator, the AFP was able to access the content on devices in Australia.

This technological breakthrough has enabled law enforcement agencies to prevent countless crimes and gather crucial evidence against users of the platform.

The takedown of Ghost follows similar actions at other encrypted platforms used by criminals, including EncroChat, Sky Global, Phantom Secure and AN0M.

This latest operation is a clear signal to organized crime groups that law enforcement agencies are continuously adapting and improving their capabilities to combat cybercrime and encrypted communications used for illegal activities.

Criminals are increasingly relying on technology to facilitate their activities. The success of Operation Kraken shows that law enforcement agencies around the world are rising to the challenge and working together to stay one step ahead of transnational organized crime.

Are You From SOC/DFIR Teams? - Try Advanced Malware and Phishing Analysis With ANY.RUN - 14-day free trial

The post Ghost Cybercrime Platform Dismantled, Administrator Charged appeared first on Cyber ​​​​Security News.