In a significant international operation, over 50 individuals have been arrested as authorities dismantled an encrypted communication platform used for extensive criminal activities.
The platform, identified as Ghost, facilitated a variety of crimes, including large-scale drug trafficking, money laundering, and serious violent offenses.
Europol and Eurojust, alongside various international law enforcement agencies, spearheaded this extensive investigation.
As a result of the operation, 51 suspects were apprehended, with arrests made in Australia (38 suspects), Ireland (11), Canada (1), and Italy (1), linked to the Italian Sacra Corona Unita mafia group.
Authorities reported that several life-threatening situations were averted, and a drug lab in Australia was taken down during the investigation.
Globally, law enforcement seized weapons, drugs, and cash exceeding €1 million (£842,270).
Ireland’s Major Operation
In Ireland, authorities confiscated €15.2 million (£12.8 million) worth of cocaine along with 42 suspected encrypted devices.
The investigation focused on four identified organized crime groups operating in Dublin and the eastern region.
On Monday, over 300 officers conducted searches across 27 locations.
International representatives were present in Ireland to support the operation.
During the searches, authorities recovered:
- €300,000 (£252,795) in cash
- Two cryptocurrency keys (contents 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
Additionally, an articulated truck was intercepted in the southeast of the country, leading to the recovery of 100kg of cocaine concealed within. This cocaine, under forensic analysis, is valued at €7 million (£5.8 million).
Five men aged in their 30s, 40s, and 50s were arrested in connection with this operation.
Understanding the Ghost Platform
Authorities confirmed that the Ghost platform had become popular among criminal organizations due to its sophisticated security measures.
Users could access the service without disclosing personal information, and it employed multiple encryption standards allowing for self-destructing messages.
This enabled criminal networks to communicate discreetly, avoid detection, and coordinate illegal activities across borders.
Thousands of individuals globally utilized this platform, which featured an infrastructure and resellers in various countries. Approximately 1,000 messages were exchanged daily through Ghost.
The operation targeted servers found in France and Iceland, with company ownership traced to Australia and financial assets located in the United States, signaling an extensive effort against the service.
Further arrests are expected as the global investigation unfolds.
‘They Know No Boundaries’
Europol’s executive director emphasized that criminal networks cannot hide from collective law enforcement efforts.
“Law enforcement from multiple nations, in collaboration with Europol, has eliminated a critical tool supporting serious organized crime,” she stated.
An Garda Síochána’s Assistant Commissioner highlighted Ireland’s ongoing dedication to combat transnational organized crime that affects both local and global communities.
“Transnational organized crime networks do not recognize borders,” he remarked, reinforcing the importance of international cooperation in dismantling criminal activities.
When discussing the potential impact on Northern Ireland, authorities noted that investigations have so far identified crime organizations based primarily in Dublin, indicating that challenges remain for all regions affected by drug trafficking.
As criminal activities span across borders, it is clear that vigilance is necessary to counter the threats posed by these networks.
