Suspected mastermind behind messaging app used by criminals arrested in Australia

SYDNEY - A 32-year-old “computer geek” from Australia has been arrested on suspicion of being the mastermind behind an encrypted messaging app used by criminals worldwide to facilitate drug deals and order killings, local police said on Sept 18.

Australian Federal Police said the app – known as Ghost – was marketed as “unhackable” and was used by hundreds of suspected criminals from Italy, the Middle East and Asia.

But, unbeknown to users, the global policing authorities had hacked the network and were watching as criminals discussed trafficking illicit drugs, money laundering, homicides and serious violence.

The authorities finally made their move on Sept 17 and 18, arresting criminals from Italy, Ireland, Sweden, Canada and Australia – including the 32-year-old “mastermind” of the app.

Ms Catherine De Bolle, executive director of European police agency Europol, said law enforcement from nine countries had been involved in the international sting.

“Today we have made it clear that no matter how hidden criminal networks think they are, they can’t evade our collective effort,” she said.

The policing agency is expected to provide an update on the matter on Sept 18.

The Ghost app – a kind of WhatsApp for criminals – was created nine years ago and could only be accessed via modified smartphones that sold for about A$2,350 (S$2,000).

The hefty price tag included a six-month subscription to the Ghost app and tech support, Australian police said on Sept 18, and users were required to purchase an ongoing subscription.

The French Gendarmerie traced the creator’s location to Australia and joined forces with local police to target the platform.

The app’s creator regularly pushed out software updates – just like the ones needed for a mobile phone – but in 2022, Australian police were able to modify those updates and access the content on devices.

For two years, the authorities watched as Ghost became more popular and criminals exchanged messages – including 50 threats on life that Australian police said they were able to thwart.

In one case, police intercepted an image of someone with a gun to their head and were able to save that person within the hour, Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Kirsty Schofield said.

Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Ian McCartney said on Sept 18 that it was “a particularly serious challenge” for law enforcement to get access to encrypted messages.

“Yes, we have had success, but I think the threat and the challenge still continue,” he said.

There were 376 phones with the Ghost app installed in Australia.

Element of ‘surprise’

Mr McCartney said the 32-year-old app creator from New South Wales lived at home with his parents and did not have a criminal history.

The “computer geek” was driven by profit and was “slightly surprised” when police arrested him on Sept 17, Mr McCartney said.

Ms Schofield added that police had to act quickly, given that the man had the ability to “wipe the communications on the system”.

“So it’s very important that we could enter that house quickly and our tactical teams were able to secure him and the devices within 30 seconds of entry,” she said.

The suspect has been charged with five offences, including supporting a criminal organisation, which carries up to three years’ imprisonment.

Another 38 people have been arrested across Australia. AFP