HomeCrimeTwo Melbourne Men Charged in Connection with Italian Organised Crime and Drug...

Two Melbourne Men Charged in Connection with Italian Organised Crime and Drug Trafficking

Operation Kraken Leads to Major Arrests in Melbourne

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has charged two Melbourne men, aged 26 and 25, with drug trafficking offences as part of Operation Kraken. The men, arrested in Moonee Ponds and Keilor East, are linked to Italian organised crime and are set to appear in Melbourne Magistrate’s Court on November 27, 2024.

During a global crackdown in September, AFP executed search warrants at the suspects’ homes, seizing encrypted communication devices, cocaine, $30,000 in cash, and drug trafficking tools. Digital forensic analysis revealed evidence of their involvement in trafficking operations, including records of drug sales.

The 26-year-old from Moonee Ponds faces charges including trafficking a commercial quantity of cocaine, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, and dealing with proceeds of crime exceeding $10,000. The 25-year-old from Keilor East has been charged with similar offences, including possession of a controlled drug.

Detective Inspector Mark McKiernan highlighted the dismantling of encrypted criminal platforms like Ghost and reiterated law enforcement’s capability to infiltrate these networks. “These arrests showcase our commitment to protecting Australians and disrupting organised crime,” McKiernan stated.

Operation Kraken underscores global collaboration in combating serious transnational crime and serves as a warning to those relying on encrypted communications for illicit activities.

VIC

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