Australian Federal Police (AFP) cracked criminal's wallet mnemonic phrase, seized Ghost software, confiscating up to $6.4 million.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) recently successfully cracked the mnemonic phrase of a suspect's wallet, containing cryptocurrency assets worth up to $6.4 million. The suspect is accused of being the developer of the encrypted messaging app "Ghost," which has become a tool for global criminal organizations to conduct illicit transactions. The Australian authorities have stated that these cryptocurrency assets have been transferred to a secure storage system managed by law enforcement agencies and will be dealt with by government authorities at the appropriate time.

Police Crack Suspect's Wallet Mnemonic, Seize Large Assets Twice

The Australian Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce (CACT) cracked the wallet mnemonic from digital devices found in the suspect's home. This search operation is part of Operation Kraken, targeting the developers and users of the "Ghost" software for a comprehensive investigation. This case marks the second time the prosecutors have seized the suspect's assets. Back in August this year, assets worth around 1.4 million USD in cryptocurrency and real estate were confiscated from the suspect. The prosecution emphasized, "Hide your ill-gotten gains well, we can find them all, and you will be brought to justice."

Note: Operation Kraken is the code name for an Australian Federal Police operation aimed at combating criminal organizations using encrypted communication software for illicit activities.

"Ghost" Enables Message Destruction, Remote Resets, Evading Prosecution Tracking

The prosecution pointed out that the Ghost encrypted communication software developed by the suspect is used by criminal organizations worldwide for drug trafficking, money laundering, and other illegal activities. Users need to purchase modified phones to use Ghost, which lack common communication functions and cannot make simple calls or access the internet.

The suspect regularly updates Ghost data, which has three independent encryption mechanisms. All users remain anonymous, can remotely "destroy" all messages, and reset the phone remotely when confiscated by the authorities. Ghost is sold in bundles for 1,600 USD, including a modified phone and six months of software subscription service. The Australian prosecutors have successfully infiltrated these modified phones and obtained communication contents, and will continue the investigation.