Media Release
Operation Kraken: alleged head of global organised crime app charged with drug and proceeds of crime offences
The AFP has charged the alleged mastermind of the Ghost dedicated encrypted communication platform with drug and proceeds of crime offences.
The matter was heard before the Downing Centre Local Court today (11 October, 2024), during which charges were laid for six new offences as a result of ongoing Operation Kraken investigations.
The new charges are:
- One count of dealing in the proceeds of general crime (greater than $1 million), contrary to section 400.3(2B) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), which carries a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment;
- One count of conspiracy to traffic a commercial quantity of a controlled drug (cocaine), contrary to subsection 302.2(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth), by virtue of division 11.5 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment;
- One count of conspiring to traffic a commercial quantity of a controlled drug (MDMA), contrary to subsection 302.2(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth), by virtue of division 11.5 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment;
- One count of dealing with money or property which is, and the person believes it to be, proceeds of indictable crime valued at $50,000 or more, contrary to section 400.5 (1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment;
- One count of possessing a dedicated encrypted communication device to commit serious criminal activity, contrary to section 192P of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), which carries a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment; and
- One count of contravening a requirement in a section 3LA order, contrary to section 3LA (6) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.
The Narwee man, 32, has been remanded in custody and is next due to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on 13 November, 2024.
The man was previously arrested on 17 September as part of AFP Operation Kraken and charged with five offences, including supporting a criminal organisation.
In October, the AFP-led Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce successfully restrained $9.3 million in cryptocurrency allegedly linked to the man.
Ongoing results from Operation Kraken include:
- 48 arrests;
- 97 search warrants conducted;
- Intervening in 50 threats to life/threats to harm;
- Preventing more than 212.7kg of illicit drugs from harming the Australian community;
- Seizing 29 illicit firearms/weapons;
- $2.67m in cash seized; and
- $11.12m in assets restrained.
