Operation Kraken-Veron: South Australian man charged for alleged role in criminal syndicate
Editor’s note: Vision and images available via Hightail
A Henley Beach man was charged yesterday (Tuesday, 17 September, 2024), over his alleged role in a criminal syndicate suspected of drug trafficking and money laundering activities under AFP Operation Kraken.
The man, 33, is expected to face the Adelaide Magistrates Court today (Wednesday, 18 September, 2024) after being charged with four offences relating to trafficking a commercial quantities of controlled drug, money laundering and supporting a criminal organisation.
AFP, with the assistance of South Australia Police (SAPOL), executed search warrants at the man’s Henley Beach home and at a residence in Prospect yesterday following intelligence received as part of the AFP’s disruption to a major encrypted communications platform.
During the search, investigators located several electronic devices, one suspected to be used to facilitate communications with criminal networks both in Australia and overseas over encrypted criminal communications (ECC), for alleged drug trafficking activities. The devices were seized for further forensic examination.
Investigators also seized more than $150,000 and about three kilograms of methamphetamine at the man’s Henley Beach home.
The man was arrested and charged with:
- One count of supporting a criminal organisation, contrary to section 390.4(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth);
- Two counts of trafficking commercial quantities of controlled drugs, contrary to section 302.2 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth); and
- One count of proceeds of crime, dealing in money or property worth $100,000 or more, contrary to section 400.4 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
The maximum penalty for these offences is 25 years’ imprisonment.
As part of the operation, the AFP also executed search warrants at business premises in the Adelaide suburb of North Plympton and at a residence in West Lakes.
During the searches police located and seized ECC devices, more than $250,000 in cash, about 11kg of methamphetamine, 30kg of drug precursors, 40 grams of cocaine and two grams of ketamine.
The investigation is ongoing.
Note to media
Media are encouraged to include help-seeking information in stories about illicit drugs to minimise any negative impact on people in the community. The following services provide people with access to support and information.
- For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015
- Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online
- Information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment.
More information
Case studies
- Operation Kraken Rishi – Alleged criminal syndicate disrupted in Melbourne, exposed in takedown of Ghost platform
- Criminal syndicate dismantled as part of AFP takedown of encrypted organised crime network
- Six arrested following investigation into criminal syndicate accused of manufacturing false terrorism plot
- NSW-based drug organised crime syndicate dismantled, four men arrested
- Op Kraken-Ryloth: Victorian duo charged over alleged plans for illicit tobacco import
- Operation Kraken: AFP restrains almost $2 million in assets in WA investigation
- Operation Kraken: AFP charges WA man for allegedly refusing to provide access to an electronic device
- Operation KRAKEN-DATHOMIR: Victorian man charged over seizure of 58kg cannabis and $395k in illicit cash
