Europol dismantles Ghost messaging application

Europol has led an international coalition of 9 countries to take down an encrypted communications system known as ‘Ghost’, that enabled contact and cooperation between various dangerous criminal groups around the world, and was used for large-scale drug trafficking, money laundering and extreme violence, among other serious crimes.

The operation has so far resulted in 51 arrests: 38 in Australia, 11 in Ireland, 1 in Canada and 1 in Italy, although more arrests are expected as the investigation continues. In addition, weapons, drugs and 1 million euros in cash were seized. In addition to this list of countries, the United States, Switzerland and the Netherlands have also participated in the operation.

Ghost had advanced security and anonymity features, allowed the purchase of subscriptions via cryptocurrencies, had three layers of encryption and a message self-destruction system that removed evidence from the sender's and recipient's devices. Subscriptions cost A$2,350 (~1,440 euros) for six months and included a modified smartphone device and technical support services.