Australian Man Arrested for Allegedly Creating Encrypted Messaging App Used by Criminal Gangs

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Sydney, Australia – An Australian man has been arrested for allegedly creating and operating an encrypted messaging app specifically designed for use by criminal gangs. The app, known as “Ghost,” has been linked to a range of serious crimes, including murder plots, kidnappings, and large-scale drug trafficking.

Jay Je Yoon Jung, 32, was apprehended by Australian Federal Police (AFP) in a dramatic raid on his parents’ home in the Sydney suburb of Narwee early Tuesday morning. Witnesses reported the use of stun grenades as officers entered the property from multiple points.

Jung is accused of developing Ghost nine years ago, with the app quickly gaining popularity among various criminal organizations, including outlaw motorcycle gangs like the Hells Angels, Mongols, Comancheros, and Finks, as well as Middle Eastern, Italian, and Korean organized crime groups.

According to Commander Paula Hudson of the AFP, Ghost facilitated a wide range of illicit activities, including “drug trafficking, drug importation, tobacco trafficking, firearms trafficking, money laundering, threats to murder, threats to harm, stand-over tactics, and criminals seeking to do damage to people.”

Jung’s arrest follows a complex international investigation spanning several years. French authorities first detected the app approximately seven years ago and traced its origins to Australia. In 2021, it was confirmed that the app’s administrator was based in Australia, prompting the launch of Operation Kraken in 2022, a joint effort between the AFP and Europol’s Operation Taskforce NEXT.

Operation Kraken revealed that Ghost was active on over 600 devices primarily located in Australia, but also in Sweden, Ireland, Canada, and Italy.

A significant breakthrough came when the AFP’s technical team exploited regular software updates pushed out by Jung to gain access to encrypted content on Australian devices. This world-first tactic proved crucial in building the case against Jung and dismantling a criminal syndicate actively using Ghost.

In addition to Jung’s arrest, six other men were apprehended on Tuesday, facing a combined 43 charges related to their alleged involvement in the syndicate. The group is accused of using Ghost to coordinate drug importations and even stage a false terrorism plot to obstruct justice.

One member, a 31-year-old from North Rocks, allegedly used the app to discuss acquiring high-powered firearms, explosives, and terrorist paraphernalia, along with plans to import large quantities of cocaine concealed within shipping containers. Authorities successfully intercepted the cocaine shipment in April.

The syndicate is also accused of trafficking methamphetamine, cannabis, and MDMA using a network of “runners” to move drugs and cash between Sydney and Inverell in northern New South Wales.

Since its inception, Operation Kraken has resulted in the arrest of 38 individuals and the seizure of 205kg of illicit drugs, 25 weapons, and $1.2 million in cash.

Jung appeared in Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday, facing charges of supporting a criminal organization, profiting from the proceeds of crime, and dealing in identification information. He is believed to be the first Australian arrested for creating and distributing an encrypted messaging app specifically designed for criminal activity.