NSW Corrective Services officer charged with corrupt conduct offences after allegedly smuggling encrypted phone into jail
The man, 25, was identified by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) following the arrest of multiple Sydney men as part of Operation Kraken-Kamino in September 2024.
The men are alleged to have used the encrypted app Ghost 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,' the AFP said in a statement.
Police allege this person smuggled a 'dedicated encrypted communications device' into a prison in exchange for money.
AFP officers executed a search warrant at the man's Gables home, in Sydney's northwest, on September 27, 2024, allegedly seizing pistol rounds and electronic devices during the search.
He was charged on May 16 this year with one count each of corruptly receiving a benefit less than $2000 and committing an offence for the benefit of, or at the direction of, a criminal organisation.
The maximum penalty for both offences is seven years' imprisonment.
The man was granted police bail and had his matter heard before Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday.
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.'
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