Global police sting targets users of organised crime app

SYDNEY — A 32-year-old “computer geek” from Australia has been arrested on suspicion of being the mastermind behind an encrypted messaging app used by criminals worldwide to facilitate drug deals and order killings, local police said Wednesday. Australian Federal Police said the app — known as Ghost — was marketed as “unhackable” and was used by hundreds of suspected criminals from Italy, 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.