Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Europe.
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.
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