Crooks thought they were safe on AN0M even after learning of imminent raids

The biggest police operation in Australian history leaked to the underworld the night before the raids began and the world first learned of Operation Ironside.

The biggest police operation in Australian history leaked to the underworld the night before the raids began and the world first learned of Operation Ironside.

The message was posted into a group chat on the police Trojan horse app “An0m”, where the Australian Federal Police was able to read the secrets of criminals in real time.

One of those to get the tip was Ayhan Dogan, the nephew of Australia’s most wanted man Hakan Ayik, who promptly warned his associates on June 7 2021.

“Yo … I think I’m getting raided on Monday or Wednesday,” Dogan allegedly wrote in an An0m group chat tendered to the Supreme Court last month. “Drugs and encrypted phones they going for.”

“How’d you get this info,” Ayik’s other nephew Yusuf Ayik replied.

Ayhan Dogan, nephew of suspected drug kingpin Hakan Ayik, on the day of his arrest. Picture:: Australian Federal Police

“Solid info,” Dogan allegedly wrote back, before sending a screenshot of the message.

The origins of who sent the message out remain unclear.

“Just got some intel about 100 raids will happen from Monday till Wednesday,” the message began.

“The aim of these raids will be targeting phones, Ciphers, Stealths and other encrypted devices. They will be targeting high profile targets who they think are large scale distributors. Just in case to be on the safe side in case this information is correct you should leave your encrypted devices elsewhere for these days. Do not leave them where you live as they will be raiding through FPO and not warrants.”

Yusuf Ayik was sentenced to more than three years jail on drug supply charges. Picture: Facebook

Hours later Dogan was arrested over major drug importation charges, along with dozens of criminals who thought they had avoided law enforcement by using the An0m app.

The details were revealed in a series of court documents tendered as part of Dogan’s attempt to be granted bail in the Supreme Court in September, which was denied.

Dogan’s tip-off, which police allege he passed on from an An0m device they linked to him was accurate – almost.

“They going after Cipher’s bro,” he allegedly continued in the group chat. “They got a big opp going on in the background.”

“What about An0ms?” Yusuf Ayik replied.

Australia’s most wanted man, Hakan Ayik.

“Nah not An0ms yet,” Dogan wrote back. “But Ciphers I reckon they are reading messages. So now they are raiding to seize the phones and link everyone with you and me … more worried about 1 phone that can f--k me.”

The trove of messages, police allege, linked Dogan to 3kg of ketamine buried in the yard of his home and several drug imports from overseas.

Yusuf Ayik was convicted of drug supply offences earlier this year and was jailed for three years.

The messages also revealed what could potentially be the only sign of Dogan’s notorious uncle Hakan Ayik before he vanished two years ago.

While he is never referred to directly by name in court documents, Dogan refers to an An0m user 61455E as “uncle” and “uncs”.

In the messages police allege Dogan is boasting about importing 1kg of cocaine from Arizona in the United States.

The mysterious user 61455E responds, calling him “cuz”.

Got a news tip? Email [e-mail]