Cyber Crime
International Crackdown: ‘Ghost’ Cybercrime Platform Shut Down, Dozens Arrested
An international law enforcement operation has successfully dismantled Ghost, an encrypted communication platform notorious for facilitating large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering, according to a statement from Europol on Wednesday. The extensive investigation resulted in the arrest of 51 individuals across multiple countries, with more arrests expected in the near future.
Ghost had gained significant popularity among criminal organizations due to its advanced security features, allowing them to evade law enforcement detection. Its takedown marks a major victory against global organized crime networks.
“This was truly a global game of cat and mouse, and today, the game is up.”
said Europol’s Deputy Executive Director Jean-Philippe Lecouffe during a press briefing.
The operation not only disrupted multiple criminal activities but also thwarted several threats to life, dismantled a drug lab in Australia, and led to the seizure of weapons, narcotics, and over €1 million ($1.11 million) in cash, according to Europol.
“Today, we have demonstrated that no matter how secure criminal networks believe themselves to be, they cannot evade our collective efforts.”
added Europol’s Executive Director Catherine De Bolle, calling the Ghost platform “a crucial tool for serious organized crime.”
Authorities from Australia, Canada, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United States collaborated in the operation, reflecting a broader international commitment to combating organized crime. Further disruption of illicit activities is anticipated as investigations continue.
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