Europol and law enforcement authorities from nine countries dismantled “Ghost,” an encrypted communications platform used by criminals for drug trafficking, money laundering, and other illegal activities .
The Ghost platform featured advanced features security and anonymization, allowing subscriptions to be purchased with cryptocurrency. It offered three levels of encryption and a self-destructing message system, which wiped messages and suspicious items from senders and recipients' devices.
Thousands of criminals around the world used the Ghost platform, while a global network of resellers promoted it to prospective customers.
Subscriptions cost $2,350 for six months and included a modified smartphone and technical support services.
See also: Spain: Arrests of people for using the DDoSia platform
Europol launched an investigation into the Ghost platform in March 2022, with special agents from the United States, Canada, France, Italy, Ireland, Australia, Sweden, and the Netherlands at its side.
Authorities were able to discover Ghost servers in France and Iceland, while the platform's owners were also located in Australia. Finally, assets linked to the platform were found in the United States .
Authorities reviewed the evidence and organized coordinated raids in several countries, achieving 51 arrests—38 in Australia, 11 in Ireland, one in Canada, and one in Italy.
The main operators of the Ghost platform face five charges that could land them in prison for many years.
"Today we made it clear that no matter how secretive criminal networks think they are, they cannot escape our collective effort," commented Europol Executive Director Catherine De Bolle.
In addition to the arrests, authorities dismantled a drug and seized weapons, illegal substances and more than 1 million euros ($1.1 million) in cash.
See also: Teenager arrested in connection with cyberattack on Transport for London
Europol emphasizes that the dismantling of Ghost, as well as other similar services such as Sky ECC, EncroChat and Exlu, are driving criminals to new, smaller platforms, making investigations more difficult.
"Criminals, in response, are now turning to a variety of less established or custom-built communication tools, which offer varying levels of security and anonymity," Europol explained.
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Europol recently called for a balanced approach to encryption, advocating measures that ensure privacy without compromising lawful access to data during criminal investigations.
However, the successful dismantling of the Ghost platform, through international cooperation, is a significant victory in the ongoing battle against organized crime. It not only disrupts criminal networks, but also sends a strong message that law enforcement agencies are united in their efforts to combat these dangerous and sophisticated groups.
See also: Chinese hackers arrested in Singapore
However, it is important to recognize that this operation is only one step in the fight against crime. Criminals will always find new ways to adapt and evade authorities. By remaining vigilant, authorities can continue to have a significant impact in disrupting these criminal networks and keeping communities safe.
Source: www.bleepingcomputer.com
