The Australian Federal Bureau of Investigation (AFP) recently successfully cracked the mnemonic password of a suspect's wallet, which contained up to $6.4 million in crypto assets. The suspect is accused of being the developer of the encrypted messaging software "Ghost", which has become a tool for global criminal organizations to conduct illegal transactions. The Australian prosecutor stated that these cryptocurrency assets have been transferred to the safe custody system of the inspection unit and will be handed over to government agencies for processing at the appropriate time.

After cracking the mnemonic phrase of the suspect's wallet, the police seized large amounts of assets twice

Australia's Criminal Asset Confiscation Task Force (CACT) cracked the wallet's "mnemonic phrase" from a digital device at the suspect's home. This raid was part of Operation Kraken, a comprehensive investigation into the developers and users of the "Ghost" software. This case is the second time that prosecutors have seized the assets of a suspect. As early as August this year, cryptocurrency and real estate worth approximately US$1.4 million were seized from the suspect. The prosecutor emphasized: "Just hide your illegal gains. We will find them and we will definitely bring you to justice."

(Note: Operation Siren, the codename of the Australian FBI project, targets criminal organizations that use encrypted communication software and engage in illegal activities.)

"Ghost" can destroy messages, remotely reset, and escape prosecution tracking

Prosecutors pointed out that the Ghost encrypted communication software developed by the suspects is used by criminal organizations around the world as a tool for illegal activities such as drug trading and money laundering. Users must first purchase modified mobile phones before they can use Ghost, and these mobile phones do not have common Communication function, unable to make simple calls or surf the Internet.

The suspect would regularly update data for Ghost, which has three independent encryption mechanisms. All users are anonymous, can remotely "self-destruct" all messages, and can remotely reset the phone when it is confiscated by prosecutors. Ghost is also sold as a package, priced at $1,600, which includes a modified phone and a six-month software subscription. Australian prosecutors stated that they have successfully penetrated these modified mobile phones and obtained communication content, and will continue to pursue investigations.

This article Australian AFP cracked criminals’ wallet mnemonics and seized Ghost software for up to US$6.4 million first appeared on Chain News ABMedia.