Police arrest Australian 'distributor' of Ghost crime app

An Australian man has been charged with distributing the encrypted messaging app known as "Ghost", allegedly used by criminals across the globe to arrange drug deals and violence, police said Wednesday.

The Ghost app was marketed to underworld figures as "unhackable" and used by hundreds of suspected criminals from Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Asia.

It was allegedly designed by a 32-year-old Australian computer whiz living with his parents in suburban Sydney.

The Australian Federal Police said Wednesday they had arrested a 47-year-old man "alleged to be a distributor" of the app.

Encrypted phones were pre-loaded with Ghost before the man stashed them at "dead drops", or pre-arranged hiding places for collection, police said.

Global policing authorities managed to infiltrate the network, watching as criminals discussed illicit drug trafficking, money laundering, homicides and serious violence.

Police swooped in September, arresting criminals from Italy, Ireland ...