New York, Wednesday, October 2, 2024-The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have seized $9.3 million in cryptocurrency allegedly linked to Jay Je Yoon Jung, the alleged creator of the Ghost app, which authorities claim was designed to facilitate criminal operations.
The 32-year-old was arrested two weeks ago in Narwee, and the AFP has also apprehended another individual for allegedly distributing the app.
The AFP uncovered the cryptocurrency by cracking Jung’s account seed phrase, allowing access to the funds.
These assets were moved into a secure account by the Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce.
The Ghost app was reportedly used by the criminal underworld to communicate discreetly and manage illegal activities. Jung, who created the app at 23, is facing five charges, including supporting a criminal organization.
A second suspect, 47-year-old Mandat Lieu, was arrested for allegedly distributing encrypted devices with the Ghost app installed.
His Greenacre residence was searched, leading to the discovery of cash, communication devices, and other encrypted tools. Lieu is facing charges related to facilitating criminal communications and is scheduled to appear in court next month.
This marks a significant development in Operation Kraken, the AFP’s initiative targeting the Ghost app’s user network. The operation has resulted in 46 arrests, the seizure of firearms, and the interception of over 125,000 messages exchanged between criminals.
