Crime Messaging Network Dismantled, Leading to Dozens of Arrests

Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff

V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Europe.

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Image Source : An Garda Síochána

Global Crime Messaging Network Dismantled, Leading to Over 50 Arrests

More than 50 individuals have been arrested in a major international operation that dismantled an encrypted communication platform used by criminal organizations. The platform, known as Ghost, facilitated various illegal activities, including large scale drug trafficking, money laundering, extreme violence, and other serious organized crimes.

The operation was carried out through the collaborative efforts of Europol, Eurojust, and international law enforcement agencies. In total, 51 suspects were apprehended: 38 in Australia, 11 in Ireland, one in Canada, and one in Italy, the latter being linked to the Italian Sacra Corona Unita mafia group. Authorities also managed to prevent several potential threats to life and dismantled a drug laboratory in Australia. Globally, weapons, drugs, and over €1 million (£842,270) in cash were seized.

 Ireland's Major Role in the Operation

In Ireland, the Gardaí (Irish police) conducted a massive sweep that resulted in the seizure of €15.2 million (£12.8 million) worth of cocaine and 42 suspected encrypted devices. Investigations focused on four organized crime groups and their support networks in the Dublin and eastern regions.

On Monday, more than 300 gardaí raided 27 premises. The operation was supported by representatives from Europol, the Australian Federal Police, and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

During the searches, the following items were seized:

- €300,000 (£252,795) in cash

- Two cryptocurrency keys (under investigation)

- 42 suspected Ghost ECC encrypted devices

- 126 other mobile devices

- 27 laptops

- Over 200 SIM cards

- Six Rolex watches

- One 2021 Range Rover Jeep

Authorities also intercepted an articulated truck in the southeast of the country. A search of the vehicle revealed 100 kilograms of cocaine, hidden in a deep concealment, with an estimated value of €7 million (£5.8 million). Five men, aged between 30 and 50, were arrested in connection with this part of the operation.

 What is the Ghost Platform?

According to a statement released by An Garda Síochána, Ghost gained popularity among criminal organizations due to its advanced security features. Users could purchase the communication solution anonymously, and the platform used three different encryption standards. One of its key features allowed users to send messages that could self destruct using a specific code, making it extremely difficult for law enforcement to trace communications.

This technology enabled criminal networks to communicate securely, evade detection, and coordinate illegal operations across international borders. With thousands of users worldwide, the Ghost platform had its own infrastructure, applications, and a network of resellers in various countries. Around a thousand messages were exchanged daily on the platform.

The dismantling of Ghost involved a global operation, as its servers were located in France and Iceland, its owners in Australia, and financial assets in the United States. More arrests beyond the initial 51 are expected as the investigation continues.

 Law Enforcement's Response

Catherine De Bolle, Europol's executive director, emphasized that law enforcement agencies worldwide are determined to dismantle criminal networks, regardless of how sophisticated or hidden they believe themselves to be. "Law enforcement from nine countries, together with Europol, have dismantled a tool which was a lifeline for serious organized crime," she said.

At Europol Headquarters in The Hague, An Garda Síochána Assistant Commissioner Justin Kelly underscored Ireland’s commitment to combating transnational organized crime. He noted that the operation highlights the power of international law enforcement cooperation in dismantling criminal networks that operate without respect for borders or legal systems.

"It takes a network to defeat a network, and today's announcement is a clear indication of the strength of law enforcement networks in combating and degrading the activities of these criminal organizations," he added.

Elon Musk’s Starlink Satellites Disrupting Astronomical Research

Kalani Tharanga, JadeTimes Staff

D.W.G. Kalani Tharanga is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Political Blogs.

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Image Source : Reuters

Starlink’s Growing Network Blocks Astronomers’ View of the Universe

Researchers from the Netherlands are raising alarms about how the expanding network of Starlink satellites, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is increasingly interfering with radio telescopes used for astronomical research. The second generation Starlink satellites, designed to provide fast broadband internet globally, are emitting radio waves that are obstructing scientists' ability to observe distant galaxies, black holes, and exoplanets. According to ASTRON, the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, these new satellites are emitting 32 times more radiation than the earlier versions, causing a significant “blinding” effect on radio telescopes.

With over 6,400 Starlink satellites currently in orbit, SpaceX has far outpaced its competitors, but the unintended electromagnetic radiation they emit is becoming a growing issue for scientists. Prof. Jessica Dempsey, director of ASTRON, emphasized that every new satellite further diminishes their ability to peer into the depths of space. These emissions far exceed industry regulations, and the problem is only expected to worsen as SpaceX continues to launch around 40 new satellites every week.

The Urgent Need for Regulation to Protect Astronomy

As the number of satellites in orbit is projected to surpass 100,000 by 2030, astronomers are calling for urgent regulatory action. The unintended radiation from satellites disrupts critical observations made with radio telescopes, such as the LOFAR telescope in the Netherlands. Lead researcher Cees Bassa described the interference as being "like comparing the brightness of the full moon to the faintest stars visible to the naked eye.” This interference is threatening the future of ground based astronomy.

While SpaceX addressed concerns about the first generation of satellites, the V2 models have proven to be more powerful, exacerbating the issue. Scientists are advocating for stricter regulations on satellite emissions and for SpaceX to set a standard in reducing space pollution. Simple fixes, such as shielding satellite batteries, could mitigate the problem. Without prompt action, astronomers warn, human made satellite constellations may soon overshadow natural celestial observations, compromising decades of scientific progress.

Trophy Vintage, How Pre Loved Fashion is Becoming the New Luxury Status Symbol

Kalani Tharanga, JadeTimes Staff

D.W.G. Kalani Tharanga is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Political Blogs.

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Image Source : Serenity Strull

The Rise of Trophy Vintage in High Fashion

As London Fashion Week kicks off, the demand for "trophy vintage" fashion is surging, with shoppers increasingly seeking out rare and iconic pre loved designer pieces. Samina Virk, US CEO of Vestiaire Collective, a leading platform for luxury resale, explains that vintage has become a new marker of exclusivity. "It's not always about what's new anymore sometimes it's about what's old and hard to find," says Virk. Shoppers are scouring Vestiaire’s archives for sought after pieces like archival Gucci, Prada, Miu Miu, and Saint Laurent, which have become symbols of status. Celebrities like Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski are embracing the trend, with Hadid wearing a vintage Gucci gown from Tom Ford’s 1996 collection to the Cannes Film Festival an iconic dress older than the model herself.

This shift in luxury fashion is about more than nostalgia. As Virk notes, the thrill of finding a coveted vintage piece brings excitement to the hunt, while also offering an eco conscious alternative to fast fashion. The extended lifespan of second hand garments helps reduce waste and slows down the production of new clothing, making fashion both sustainable and stylish.

The Role of Resale Platforms in Shaping Fashion's Future

Vestiaire Collective, along with other platforms like The RealReal and Fashionphile, is reshaping how people shop for high end fashion. Offering an extensive collection of both vintage and gently used designer items, these platforms provide access to luxury at a fraction of the retail cost. For instance, shoppers can find a pair of Dior heels or a Loewe bag for 50% to 70% less than their original price. However, Virk acknowledges that while resale platforms make luxury more accessible, they aren't always cheap designer items like Miu Miu sunglasses still cost hundreds of dollars.

To ensure authenticity, Vestiaire employs nearly 100 experts who authenticate each item, ensuring customers can trust their purchases. The appeal of these platforms extends beyond bargains it’s about the chance to own a piece of fashion history. Celebrities, too, are involved in the resale movement, with stars like Jessica Chastain and Kim Kardashian selling designer pieces on Vestiaire for charity, adding to the allure. Virk’s involvement in integrating Vestiaire into Netflix’s *Emily in Paris* highlights how the platform is becoming part of popular culture, with fashion forward characters using resale to fuel their dreams. "You never know whose clothes you might end up wearing," says Virk, capturing the excitement and intrigue behind the pre loved fashion revolution.