Cybercrime platform ‘Ghost’ dismantled in global operation, 51 arrested

Authors: Noemie Olive and Charlotte Van Campenhout

THE HAGUE (Reuters) – An international law enforcement operation has disrupted an encrypted communications platform known as Ghost, known for enabling massive drug trafficking and money laundering, Europol said on Wednesday.

The investigation has led to the arrest of 51 suspects from multiple countries, with more arrests expected.

The platform has gained popularity among criminal organizations due to its advanced security features, and its takedown would deal a major blow to global organized crime networks.

“It has been a real global game of cat and mouse and today it ends,” Europol Deputy Executive Director Jean-Philippe Lecouffe told reporters.

The operation prevented several life-threatening situations, led to the dismantling of a drug laboratory in Australia and the seizure of weapons, drugs and more than €1 million ($1.11 million) in cash around the world, Europol said.

“Today we have made it clear that no matter how hidden criminal networks are, they cannot escape our collective efforts,” said Europol Executive Director Catherine De Bolle, calling the Ghost platform a “lifeline for serious organised crime”.

The operation was carried out with the participation of the authorities of Australia, Canada, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United States as part of a broader effort to combat global organised crime.

As the investigation continues, further disruptions to illegal activity can be expected.

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(Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout, Noemie Olive, editing by Christina Fincher)