The AFP has charged a Sydney man for allegedly smuggling an encrypted communications device into a corrections facility.
The matter was heard before Downing Centre Local Court today (5 August, 2025).
Police identified the man, 25, following the arrest of multiple Sydney men as part of Operation Kraken-Kamino in September, 2024. The men are alleged to have communicated via the Ghost encrypted mobile application to organise drug importations and manufacture a false terrorism plot.
Examinations of an encrypted device found in the possession of one of the men allegedly suggested a serving corrections officer exploited his position for the benefit of a criminal organisation.
It's alleged this person smuggled a dedicated encrypted communications device into a correctional facility in exchange for money.
AFP officers executed a search warrant at the man's Gables home in Sydney's north-west on 27 September, 2024, and seized pistol rounds and electronic devices.
He was charged on 16 May, 2025, with:
- One count of corruptly receiving a benefit less than $2000, contrary to section 249B(1) Crimes Act 1900 (NSW); and
- One count of committing an offence for the benefit of, or at the direction of, a criminal organisation, contrary to section 390.5 of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The maximum penalty for both offences is seven years' imprisonment. The man was granted police bail.
AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty said Australian taxpayers put trust in public officials to perform their roles prudently and act with integrity.
"Taking bribes, however big or small, erodes trust and weakens democracy," Det Supt Fogarty said.
"Such actions have ripple effects. In this instance, we allege the man assisted a criminal syndicate alleged to be involved in drug and firearms trafficking, extortion and kidnapping.
"The AFP owes it to the Australian public to prosecute these matters to the full extent of the law."
