Global police sting targets users of Ghost organised crime app [Video]

A 32-year-old Australian “computer geek” has been arrested on suspicion of building an encrypted messaging app used by hundreds of criminals worldwide to arrange drug deals and order killings, police said Wednesday.

Australian Federal Police said the Ghost app was marketed to underworld figures as “unhackable” and was used by hundreds of suspected criminals from Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

But, unbeknownst to users, global policing authorities hacked the network and were watching as the criminals discussed illicit drug trafficking, money laundering, homicides and serious violence.

Authorities made their move on Tuesday and Wednesday, arresting criminals from Italy, Ireland, Sweden, Canada and Australia — including Jay Je Yoon Jung, the alleged “mastermind” of the app.

Europol executive director Catherine De Bolle said law enforcement from nine countries had been involved in the international sting.

“Today we have made it clear that no matter how hidden criminal networks think they …