Adelaide identity Jack Sauer released on bail over Operation Kraken drug charges
A well-known Adelaide identity has been released from custody after he was hit with drug trafficking charges in a nationwide AFP investigation.
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The first South Australian man arrested as part of a nationwide investigation into encrypted communication app Ghost has been released from custody.
Jack Park Sauer, whose social media sites boast his intimate gatherings with some of Adelaide’s elite, was arrested last month as part of Operation Kraken – a nationwide investigation into the criminal communications app.
Australian Federal Police officers arrested Mr Sauer, a former private school student, at his Henley Beach home in a dawn raid on September 17 after infiltrating the encrypted platform.
Federal authorities allege they uncovered more than $150,000 in cash and 3kg of methamphetamine during the raid.
Police said investigations were ongoing and further arrests worldwide are expected.
Mr Sauer, who has yet to plead, is charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of a controlled drug, namely methamphetamine and cocaine.
He is further charged with one count each of supporting a criminal organisation and dealing in proceeds of crime, money or property worth more than $100,000.
The Scotch College graduate faces a maximum 25 years’ imprisonment if the charges are proven.
Court documents allege the offences occurred across Adelaide’s north and west between March 20 and September 17 this year.
AFP investigators, along with heavily armed SA Police STAR Group officers, also raided a North Plympton business along with two homes at West Lakes and Prospect as part of their operation.
In the Adelaide Magistrates Court last week, Mr Sauer, 33, through his lawyer David Edwardson KC, asked to be released on strict home detention bail.
On Monday morning, Magistrate Justin Wickens agreed to release him, with Commonwealth prosecutors remaining unopposed to his release under the strict conditions.
Mr Wickens imposed conditions that Mr Sauer surrender his passport and not leave South Australia.
“You must go straight home after you have been fitted with an electronic monitoring device, you must stay there,” he said.
He imposed further conditions that Mr Sauer not be in contact with five other people – including Sahand Sabermanesh, the second South Australian charged in the string.
Mr Sabermanesh was granted bail late last month. He is yet to plead to two counts of trafficking in a large commercial quantity of a controlled drug and two counts of possessing a controlled precursor.
Mr Wickens heard commonwealth prosecutors would need at least six months to finalise their case against Mr Sauer.
“That is for further forensic testing of the drugs to occur, as well as electronics which hold the Ghost app being reviewed and tagged,” the prosecutor said.
Mr Edwardson however said six months was an extraordinarily long time, and asked for an evidence brief to be provided to defence counsel at least one month prior to the next hearing.
Mr Sauer will return to court in April.
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Originally published as Adelaide identity Jack Sauer released on bail over Operation Kraken drug charges
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