A 32-year-old Australian "computer geek" has been arrested on suspicion of building an encrypted messaging app used by hundreds of criminals worldwide to arrange drug deals and order killings, local police said Wednesday. Australian Federal Police said the app -- known as Ghost -- was marketed to underworld figures as "unhackable" and was used by hundreds of suspected criminals from Europe, the Middle East and Asia. But, unbeknownst to users, global policing authorities had hacked the network and were watching as the criminals discussed trafficking illicit drugs, money laundering, homicides and serious violence.
Authorities finally made their move on Tuesday and Wednesday, arresting criminals from Italy, Ireland, Sweden, Canada and Australia -- including the 32-year-old "mastermind" of the app. Europol executive director Catherine De Bolle said law enforcement from nine countries had been involved in the international sting. "Today we have made it clear that no matter how hidden criminal networks think they are, they can't evade our collective effort," she said.
The policing agency is expected to provide an update on the matter on Wednesday. The Ghost app -- a kind of WhatsApp for criminals -- was created nine years ago and could only be accessed via modified smartphones that sold for about Aus$2,350 (US$1,590). The hefty price tag included a six-month subscription to the Ghost app and tech support, Australian police said Wednesday, and users were required to purchase an ongo.