Secret crime app of the underworld infiltrated by AFP

An encrypted app allegedly used by the criminal underworld to plan drug deals, murders and kidnappings has been exposed in a huge operation.

Sydney man Jay Ye Yoon Jung, 32, is among those arrested in the AFP raids on Tuesday morning after authorities claim he created the criminal platform ‘Ghost’ nine years ago when he was just 23.

The ‘impenetrable’ communication platform has allegedly been used to launder money, traffic drugs, plan kidnappings and plot murders.

Local outlaw motorcycle gangs including the Hells Angels, Mongols, Comancheros and Finks have allegedly used the app.

The platform has also had an international reach, with police stating it had been used by Middle Eastern, Italian and Korean organised crime syndicates. Authorities are also investigating the app’s use in Sweden, Ireland and Canada.

The take-down, known as Operation Kraken, saw AFP technical experts hack the platform back in March and they have since allegedly uncovered at least 50 threats to kill or harm as well as a string of other violent crimes.

Ye Yoon Jung – who lives at home with his parents – is facing charges of supporting a criminal organisation, benefiting from proceeds of crime and dealing in identification information.

He is expected to appear before Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney today.

Hundreds of alleged criminals are scrambling as police arrests take place across the country, with a dozen more in Sydney as well as others in Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide.

Simultaneous raids are currently being carried out in Ireland and Canada, with more Australian and international arrests expected over the coming days.

Up to 38 people have been arrested so far in relation to the app, with AFP officers seizing 205kg of illicit drugs, 25 weapons and $1.2 million in cash during the raids.

The AFP had reportedly known about Ghost for seven years but did not realise the mastermind behind the app was allegedly Australian until 2021.

At the head of Operation Kraken is Commander Paula Hudson, who spoke to 7.30 about Ghost.

“We will be alleging that this platform is solely being used for criminality and serious organised crime,” she explained.

“[Including] drug trafficking, drug importation, tobacco trafficking, firearms trafficking, money laundering, threatening to murder, threatening to harm, standover tactics and criminals seeking to do damage to people.”

Up to 38 people have been arrested throughout the operation so far, with AFP officers seizing 205kg of illicit drugs, 25 weapons and $1.2 million of cash during the raids.

AFP confirmed to news.com.au that a “significant operation” was taking place across NSW, Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia and said there was no impending threat to the community.

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