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An Garda Síochána, in partnership with Europol and Eurojust, has successfully dismantled an encrypted communication platform known as Ghost, utilised by dangerous criminal networks operating globally. The platform was instrumental in facilitating organised crime, including large-scale drug trafficking, money laundering, and violent activities.
During the course of the investigation, 33 searches were conducted, resulting in the seizure of €15.2 million worth of cocaine, €350,000 in cash, €320,000 in cannabis, and €100,000 in heroin. Additionally, 11 arrests were made, and multiple electronic devices, including 42 Ghost ECC encrypted devices and 153 other electronic devices, were seized, alongside cryptocurrency.
Ghost, favoured by criminal organisations for its advanced encryption features, enabled thousands of users worldwide to communicate securely, evading detection while coordinating illegal activities across borders. The platform employed triple encryption and a self-destruct message feature, which made it especially attractive to criminals seeking to avoid law enforcement scrutiny.
Assistant Commissioner Justin Kelly, Organised and Serious Crime, commented:
“An Garda Síochána’s involvement in this Europol Operational Task Force demonstrates Ireland’s ongoing commitment and capacity to operate at an international level targeting Transnational Organised Crime Groups which cause so much harm and misery not just in Ireland but in countries across the world. Transnational Organised Crime Group networks know no boundaries and do not respect any international borders or rules of law. It takes a network to defeat a network and today’s announcement is clear indication of the power of Law Enforcement networks in degrading and dismantling the activities of these criminal networks.”
The Irish Gardaí played a critical role in this investigation, with over 300 officers involved in searches carried out in the Dublin and Eastern regions. The operation led to the seizure of substantial assets, including €300,000 in cash, two cryptocurrency keys, 126 mobile devices, 27 laptops, over 200 SIM cards, six Rolex watches, and a Range Rover Jeep.
In a separate operation, officers from the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau intercepted an articulated truck in the South East, leading to the recovery of 100 kilos of cocaine, valued at €7 million. Five men, aged between their 30s and 50s, were arrested in connection with this seizure.
Previous Garda activity related to this investigation had already resulted in significant seizures, including 118 kilos of cocaine worth €8.26 million, 1.5 kilos of heroin valued at €100,000, and 16 kilos of cannabis worth €320,000.
Investigations remain ongoing as An Garda Síochána continues its efforts to combat organised crime and disrupt these criminal networks at an international level.