Everything we know about Operation Kraken’s ‘Ghost’ app bust in SA

A global drug bust has shaken the underworld in Australia after the AFP launched ‘Operation Kraken’. But how did it unfold in SA?

After months of covert investigation and infiltrating the digital network of the underworld, the Australian Federal Police launched Operation Kraken this week, to shut down the encryption communication platform “Ghost”.

It was uncovered that “Ghost” had been operating for nine years and was used by outlaw motorcycle gangs including the Hells Angels, Mongols, Comancheros and Finks as well as Middle Eastern organised crime gangs, Italian organised crime syndicates and Korean organised crime gangs.

Since March, AFP technical experts found a way to infiltrate the platform and have allegedly uncovered at least 50 threats to kill or harm and uncovered other violent crimes, money laundering and drug trafficking.

More than 700 AFP officers have conducted raids all week across Australia, as well as Ireland, Italy, Sweden and Canada.

But how did the raid unfold in South Australia?

Who is Jack Sauer?

Jack Park Sauer, 33, was the first South Australian man charged after Operation Kraken launched into action earlier this week as hundreds of AFP conducted raids across the world.

Previously, Sauer had 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.

Jack Sauer, 33, was arrested over alleged drug trafficking. Picture: 7NEWS

Jack Sauer, the first South Australian arrested and charged following Operation Kraken. Picture: Supplied

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. There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by any of those people. 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.

How the operation unfolded in South Australia?

The AFP made its first Operation Kraken raid in South Australia earlier this week, at an inconspicuous barber shop in Adelaide’s western suburbs.

On Tuesday morning, around 5.30am, the AFP entered North Plympton’s KJ Barbers.

It is understood Sauer was managing the shop for over a year – until his resignation three weeks ago.

Sources told The Advertiser the barber shop was searched from top to bottom for several hours. Officers covered CCTV cameras and ripped out electrical wires.

It is understood the AFP seized three mobile devices.

Shortly after, the AFP moved to raid a luxurious Henley Beach home – where Mr Sauer lived – and homes at West Lakes, Prospect and Torrens Park.

The team of AFP agents were seen surrounding the Henley Beach home with a few cars parked in the front and in the back alley. After entering the house, they spent hours going between the home and their vehicles, taking a few items in unmarked bags.

On Wednesday, Operation Kraken continued with the AFP raiding a North Haven home in the early morning, as well as a Plympton unit around 3pm.

Court appearance of Jack Sauer?

Following the Henley Beach raid, – Sauer was arrested.

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

Sauer was 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”.

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”.

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, “given 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.

How was South Australia’s second man arrested?

The second South Australian charged over the encrypted ‘Ghost’ app sting is 39-year-old Sahand Sabermanesh.

He was arrested at the Adelaide Airport on Wednesday upon returning from Brisbane.

Sabermanesh’s lawyer Michael Woods told the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday afternoon he was in Brisbane when his Torrens Park home was raided.

He claimed Sabermanesh flew home as soon as he received word of the investigation.

Mr Sabermanesh has been charged with two counts of trafficking in a large commercial quantity of a controlled drug and two counts of possessing a controlled precursor.

Sahand Sabermanesh, 39, is the second South Australian charged following the encrypted ‘Ghost’ app sting . Picture: 7NEWS

The AFP said during the search at Mr Sabermanesh’s home, investigators allegedly located 440g of methamphetamine, 2.2kg of sodium borohydride and 27.2kg of methylamine – both of which are precursor substances used in the manufacturing of illicit drugs.

In court documents, police allege that between March 10 and September 17 this year, Mr Sabermanesh had been trafficking in large commercial quantities of both cocaine and methamphetamine.

They further allege he possessed quantities of controlled precursor chemicals, namely Sodium Borohydride and Methylamine.

Mr Sabermanesh was remanded in custody and ordered a home detention bail report. He will return to court next week to hear the outcome of his bail application.

Originally published as Everything we know about Operation Kraken’s ‘Ghost’ app bust in SA