Global law enforcement officials have disclosed that they had infiltrated and dismantled an encrypted messaging app known as Ghost, which had become a favoured tool among criminals globally. The operation, spearheaded by Europol, represents the latest in a series of takedowns targeting similar encrypted communication platforms that have led to numerous criminal charges.
Below are the key details about the app and how it was taken down –
What is Ghost?
The popularity of encrypted messaging apps is on the rise, with WhatsApp being one of the most well-known. These apps use encryption to secure messages and are legal to use.
Ghost, which emerged in 2021, attracted criminals due to its unique features. Instead of a simple app download, users needed to purchase a specially modified phone. Europol described Ghost as a comprehensive system, complete with a network of resellers across multiple countries.
The app allowed users to remain completely anonymous by requiring no personal information or phone numbers. It utilised three separate encryption protocols and offered features for users to remotely delete messages and reset phones, adding an extra layer of security if devices were seized.
According to Europol, Ghost operated with servers concealed in Iceland and France, had its founder based in Australia, and financial transactions traced back to the United States.
Who Uses the Ghost App?
Ghost was predominantly used by criminals, Europol confirmed. The app had a global user base of several thousand, with approximately 1,000 messages exchanged daily. Europol Deputy Executive Director Jean-Philippe Lecouffe noted that the operation had dismantled a critical tool for serious and organised crime, including drug trafficking, arms dealing, extreme violence, and large-scale money laundering.
As of now, 51 individuals have been arrested in connection with the takedown, most of whom were located in Australia.
Has This Happened Before?
Similar operations have previously dismantled other major apps like EncroChat and Sky ECC, which were also used predominantly by criminals. Three years ago, the FBI ran and subsequently shut down ANOM, another encrypted service, leading to numerous arrests.
Europol acknowledged that while Ghost was smaller compared to its predecessors, the fragmented nature of the encrypted app market still poses significant challenges. Lecouffe emphasised that smaller networks can sometimes harbour the most significant criminal operations and valuable intelligence.
Why Was Ghost Taken Down?
Unlike mainstream encrypted apps such as WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram, which are legal and widely used for legitimate purposes, Ghost was designed specifically to facilitate illicit communications.
Recent developments have seen platforms like Telegram come under scrutiny for hosting criminal content, although most users are not involved in illegal activities. During Tuesday’s briefing, Lecouffe highlighted the importance of monitoring encrypted communications for criminal investigations, while advocating for a balance between privacy and justice.
He urged private companies to ensure their platforms are not exploited by criminals, stressing the need for cooperation in maintaining a safe digital environment.