The AFP has charged a NSW man, alleged to be a distributor of the encrypted criminal platform known as Ghost, as part of Operation Kraken-Bespin.
The man, 47, was arrested and charged after the AFP executed a search warrant at his Greenacre home on 17 September, 2024, as part of the investigation into the encrypted communications platform.
Police seized $17,400 in cash, eight mobile phones, three laptops, 23 SIM cards and 15 other communication devices and encrypted USBs while searching the home.
The devices were removed for further digital forensic analysis.
Investigators will allege the man was a close associate of a Narwee man, 32, who was the alleged mastermind behind the encrypted criminal platform.
The AFP will allege the Greenacre man was a distributor of the Ghost platform and would arrange for encrypted handsets to be delivered to buyers via “dead drops” in exchange for payment.
It will be alleged two of the mobile phones seized at the Greenacre home were Ghost dedicated encrypted communications devices located in a bedroom and that the Greenacre man refused to provide investigators with access to the electronic device.
He has been charged with the following offences:
- One count of failing to comply with an order under section 3LA(2) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth), contrary to section 3LA(5) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth); and
- One count of possessing a dedicated encrypted criminal communication device to facilitate serious criminal activity, contrary to section 192P of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW).
The maximum penalty for the offences is 10 years’ imprisonment and three years’ imprisonment.
The Greenacre man appeared in Downing Centre Local Court on 18 September, 2024 and was granted bail. He is expected to reappear in the same court on today (2 October, 2024).
