Global Operation: “Ghost” Crime Platform Destroyed
Global Operation – Europol e Eurojusttogether with law enforcement and judicial authorities from several countries, recently conducted an international operation that led to the shutdown of an encrypted communication platform used for serious criminal activities. The platform, called Ghostwas used by criminal networks to orchestrate drug trafficking, money laundering, extreme violence and other organized crimes.
The Executive Director of Europol, Catherine De Bollestressed the importance of the operation, saying that criminal networks cannot elude the joint efforts of law enforcement. The collaboration of nine countries has made it possible to dismantle a major asset for organized crime. De Bolle also thanked global partners for their contribution.
Ghost It was known for its advanced security measures, which included three encryption standards and the ability to self-destruct messages. These mechanisms allowed users to communicate without leaving traces, facilitating the coordination of illicit activities on a global level.
The service was used by several thousand people and had a network of resellers spread across several countries, with around a thousand messages exchanged daily.
The global operation involved coordinated raids and technical interventions in France, Iceland, Australia, United Statesand other countries. They have been arrested 51 suspectsincluding 38 in Australia, 11 in Irelande one in Italybelonging to the mafia group Sacred United Crown.
In addition, weapons, drugs, and more were seized. 1 million euros in cash. Attacks on life were also prevented and a drug laboratory in Australia was dismantled.
In the March 2022 An Operational Task Force (OTF) was established at Europol to facilitate investigations. The OTF played a crucial role in mapping the technical infrastructure of Ghostallowing to identify suppliers and users and to coordinate the dismantling of the platform.
A Joint Investigation Team (JIT) was formed between French and US authorities in January 2024with the support of Eurojust e Europol. This team coordinated investigative activities, which included analysis of cryptocurrency transactions and interventions against high-risk criminal organizations.
The investigation also involved the use of Europol experts in Iceland, Irelande Australia. A Joint Operations Centre at Europol Headquarters coordinated the simultaneous activities globally.
The encrypted communications landscape has become more fragmented due to recent law enforcement actions. Criminals are now turning to less established tools and more diverse communications to avoid interception.
Europol and its partners continue to focus on the fight against encrypted communication technologies used by criminals, balancing the protection of privacy with the need for access to data to fight serious crime.
Authorities involved include:
- Australia: Australian Federal Police
- Canada: Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit – Montreal, Federal Police – Eastern Region, Canadian Mounted Police
- France: Cybercrime Unit of the JUNALCO Prosecutor’s Office, National Gendarmerie – National Cyber Unit, National Cyberspace Command for the Ministry of the Interior
- Iceland: Reykjavik Metropolitan Police
- Ireland: An Garda Síochána
- Italia: Central Directorate for Anti-Drug Services, State Police, Lecce Flying Squad, Lecce District Anti-Mafia Directorate, National Anti-Mafia and Anti-Terrorism Directorate, Central Operations Service
- Netherlands: Dutch Police
- Sweden: Swedish Police
- United States: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
The operation was supported by the Internal Security Fund (ISF) ‘Project Overclock’, funded by the European Commission.