Explainer: Why did the AFP raid Jack Sauer’s Henley Beach home and charge him in Operation Kraken’s ‘Ghost’ app bust

This former Adelaide socialite has been identified as the first person charged as part of a nationwide bust by the AFP.

Isabel McMillan

@IsabelMcMNews

2 min read

September 19, 2024 - 4:18PM

AFP officers arrest Adelaide man Jack Sauer

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From socialising with television personalities at charity events and befriending prominent chefs and hospitality figures, to now spending the next month behind bars on remand, it’s no surprise Jack Park Sauer’s arrest came as a shock to his friends and family.

The 33-year-old was the first South Australian man charged after Operation Kraken saw 700 Australian Federal Police officers conduct raids across several states and territories over Tuesday and Wednesday.

He’ll spend at least the next four weeks in custody before his lawyer, David Edwardson KC will likely argue his client should be released on bail.

But who is Jack Sauer, and what’s he got to do with this nationwide – and global – AFP bust?

Who is Jack Sauer?

A well-known businessman and entrepreneur, Sauer has been a staple of Adelaide’s social scene for many years, mixing with local celebrities from the hospitality, entertainment, business and sporting worlds at various events around town.

His Instagram account documents his extensive social life, and he’s featured in photos with a who’s who of Adelaide.

Among the big names include Crows legend Tony Modra, media personality Rebecca Morse, Channel 10 news presenter Kate Freebairn, Harness Racing SA chief executive Dean Elliott, PR queen Bec O’Rourke, former My Kitchen Rules contestant Paul Wood, top chef Adam Swanson and fashion designer Jaimie Sortino.

The Scotch College graduate has previously worked in the wine industry, running a distribution company called Palate Wine, and has also worked in sales for Northpoint Toyota.

Most recently, he was operations manager for a group of local businesses.

Jack Sauer, the first South Australian arrested, and charged following a nation-wide AFP bust over an organised crime related, app operation. Picture: Supplied

What is Jack Sauer charged with?

Charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of a controlled drug – methamphetamine and cocaine – Mr Sauer has been further charged with assisting a criminal organisation, and money laundering.

In court documents, police allege Mr Sauer, from Henley Beach, did “intentionally provide material support or resources to a criminal organisation, namely by supplying encrypted communication devices and connecting those devices to a telecommunication network to facilitate the commission of further serious offences against the law of the Commonwealth”.

Jack Sauer, 33, faced court for alleged drug trafficking on Wednesday. Picture: 7NEWS

Federal police allege between March 20 and September 17 this year, at Henley Beach, North Plympton and West Lakes, Mr Sauer “dealt with money or property that was, and that (he) believed to be, proceeds of crime, and at the time of dealing the value of the money was $100,000 or more”.

Australian Federal Police officers arrested former private school boy Mr Sauer at his Henley Beach home in a dawn raid on Tuesday after infiltrating a secret communication platform called “Ghost”.

Federal authorities will allege they uncovered more than $150,000 in cash and 3kg of methamphetamine.

What did Jack Sauer’s family say?

When approached by The Advertiser at their Unley Park home, Mr Sauer’s parents said they were surprised by the allegations about their son.

They declined further comment at their inner southern suburbs home.

What’s next for Jack Sauer?

Mr Sauer’s lawyer, David Edwardson KC, told the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon that it was too “premature” to make an application for bail, “give the nature of the investigation”.

Mr Sauer was remanded in custody and is expected to return to court in mid October, where it is understood a bail application will be brought forward.