Internal documentation pertaining to "Operation Cookie Monster"
Dear Australian Federal Police,
I am writing to you to request the release of the following documents:
1. Initial communication from international law enforcement agencies to the AFP relating to a joint operation named "Cookie Monster" that the AFP took part in during 2023 to seized the domain or website associated with the black market site "Genesis'.
2. Any documentation pertaining to the design of the websites "Seizure image" or the AFP logo placement on the image.
3. Internal communications or memorandums pertaining to the immediate aftermath of the websites seizure, limited to a 7 day search period from intial take down.
4. Any screenshots or images of the genesis UI, homepage, user marketplace, landing page, or other publicly facing page prior to the application of the takedown banner.
5. Any combination of HTML/CSS or other website data that was used to display the website itself (Ie: the files used to make the sites design)
I understand these request may be broad and i will narrow them down in future if possible. I would like to also pre emptivy state that I wish for this information and give my permission to have identifiable information removed from it. Such as the identifiable names of officers, middle names, phone numbers, etc.
As this request is similar in nature to my precious one, i also state that I am happy for foreign agencies to be redacted from communications.
Yours faithfully,
Sean
OFFICIAL
Dear Sean
YOUR FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST
I refer to your request dated 16 January 2025, seeking access to documents
under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the Act) as follows:
“1. Initial communication from international law enforcement agencies to
the AFP relating to a joint operation named "Cookie Monster" that the AFP
took part in during 2023 to seized the domain or website associated with
the black market site "Genesis'.
2. Any documentation pertaining to the design of the websites "Seizure
image" or the AFP logo placement on the image.
3. Internal communications or memorandums pertaining to the immediate
aftermath of the websites seizure, limited to a 7 day search period from
intial take down.
4. Any screenshots or images of the genesis UI, homepage, user
marketplace, landing page, or other publicly facing page prior to the
application of the takedown banner.
5. Any combination of HTML/CSS or other website data that was used to
display the website itself (Ie: the files used to make the sites design)”
Timeframe
Your request was received by the AFP on 16 January 2025, and the 30 day
statutory period for processing your request commenced from that date. The
due date for your request is 17 February 2025.
Request for extension of time under s15AA
Upon consideration of your request, the AFP is of the view that your
request will take longer than 30 days to process. The delay is
regrettable, however, due to a significant increase in the volume of
applications at this time and the absence of key personnel to assist with
the processing of requests for information, the AFP will be unable to
finalise this matter within the 30 day time frame. Accordingly, it will
not be possible to advise you of a decision by 17 February 2025.
Accordingly, pursuant to section 15AA of the Act, I seek your agreement to
extend the period to notify you of a decision by 30 days taking the due
date of a decision to 19 March 2025.
I would be grateful if you would advise this office in writing of your
agreement to the proposed extension of time by 28 January 2025.
Information irrelevant to the scope of your request
The AFP, in its management of FOI requests, excludes the following
information on the basis that is irrelevant to the scope of a request:
o Duplicate documents, including duplicate emails (the AFP will only
provide emails where they form a final email chain and the
authors/recipients are contained within the final email); and
o Information that is publicly available, for example, newspaper
articles, online publications including information available on the
AFP Information Publication Scheme and the AFP disclosure log.
Please advise this office whether you also consent to exclude the
following information:
o Names of AFP members, other than the Senior Executive; and
o Direct telephone numbers, middle names of AFP members, signatures and
mobile telephone numbers of AFP members.
Information Publication Scheme
Please be advised that effective 1 May 2011 and in accordance with section
8(2) of the Act, an agency is required to publish information on the AFP
website following the notification of a decision in respect of a freedom
of information request. Details of the decision will be published in a
Disclosure Log which can be found at
[1]https://www.afp.gov.au/about-us/informat....
The requirement to publish information released under FOI reinforces the
objectives of the FOI Act to promote a pro-disclosure culture across
government, and to increase recognition that information held by
government is a national resource. Exceptions to the requirement to
publish information would apply to personal information and information
concerning the business affairs of a person if it was considered
‘unreasonable’ to do so.
If however, after noting the above, you wish to raise any concerns about
the publication of information concerning your request prior to the
notification of a decision, please advise the AFP in writing before 17
February 2025.
If you have any queries in relation to this matter, please do not hesitate
to contact our team at [2][AFP request email].
Yours sincerely,
AFP27037
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION OFFICER - COMMERCIAL, GOVERNANCE & INFORMATION
AFP LEGAL – CORPORATE | CHIEF COUNSEL PORTFOLIO
[3]Australian Federal Police
The Australian Federal Police acknowledges the Traditional Owners and
Custodians of Country
throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and
community. We pay
our respects to First Nations people, culture and Elders past, present and
emerging.
**********************************************************************
WARNING
This email message and any attached files may contain information
that is confidential and subject of legal privilege intended only for
use by the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you
are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for
delivering the message to the intended recipient be advised that you
have received this message in error and that any use, copying,
circulation, forwarding, printing or publication of this message or
attached files is strictly forbidden, as is the disclosure of the
information contained therein. If you have received this message in
error, please notify the sender immediately and delete it from your
inbox.
AFP Web site: http://www.afp.gov.au
**********************************************************************
References
Visible links
1. https://www.afp.gov.au/about-us/informat...
2. mailto:[AFP request email]
3. http://www.afp.gov.au/
OFFICIAL
Dear Sean
Thank you for your email.
After applying the 30-day extension of time under section 15AA, your request is now due 17 March 2025.
Kind regards
AFP27037
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION OFFICER - COMMERCIAL, GOVERNANCE & INFORMATION
AFP LEGAL – CORPORATE | CHIEF COUNSEL PORTFOLIO
The Australian Federal Police acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country
throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay
our respects to First Nations people, culture and Elders past, present and emerging.
-----Original Message-----
From: Sean <[FOI #12740 email]>
Sent: Tuesday, 21 January 2025 2:11 PM
To: FOI <[email address]>
Subject: Re: Acknowledgement – Freedom of Information Request – LEX 3498 [SEC=OFFICIAL] [AFP-L.FID204907]
Dear FOI,
I agree.
Yours sincerely,
Sean
-----Original Message-----
OFFICIAL
Dear Sean
YOUR FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST
I refer to your request dated 16 January 2025, seeking access to documents
under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the Act) as follows:
“1. Initial communication from international law enforcement agencies to
the AFP relating to a joint operation named "Cookie Monster" that the AFP
took part in during 2023 to seized the domain or website associated with
the black market site "Genesis'.
2. Any documentation pertaining to the design of the websites "Seizure
image" or the AFP logo placement on the image.
3. Internal communications or memorandums pertaining to the immediate
aftermath of the websites seizure, limited to a 7 day search period from
intial take down.
4. Any screenshots or images of the genesis UI, homepage, user
marketplace, landing page, or other publicly facing page prior to the
application of the takedown banner.
5. Any combination of HTML/CSS or other website data that was used to
display the website itself (Ie: the files used to make the sites design)”
Timeframe
Your request was received by the AFP on 16 January 2025, and the 30 day
statutory period for processing your request commenced from that date. The
due date for your request is 17 February 2025.
Request for extension of time under s15AA
Upon consideration of your request, the AFP is of the view that your
request will take longer than 30 days to process. The delay is
regrettable, however, due to a significant increase in the volume of
applications at this time and the absence of key personnel to assist with
the processing of requests for information, the AFP will be unable to
finalise this matter within the 30 day time frame. Accordingly, it will
not be possible to advise you of a decision by 17 February 2025.
Accordingly, pursuant to section 15AA of the Act, I seek your agreement to
extend the period to notify you of a decision by 30 days taking the due
date of a decision to 19 March 2025.
I would be grateful if you would advise this office in writing of your
agreement to the proposed extension of time by 28 January 2025.
Information irrelevant to the scope of your request
The AFP, in its management of FOI requests, excludes the following
information on the basis that is irrelevant to the scope of a request:
o Duplicate documents, including duplicate emails (the AFP will only
provide emails where they form a final email chain and the
authors/recipients are contained within the final email); and
o Information that is publicly available, for example, newspaper
articles, online publications including information available on the
AFP Information Publication Scheme and the AFP disclosure log.
Please advise this office whether you also consent to exclude the
following information:
o Names of AFP members, other than the Senior Executive; and
o Direct telephone numbers, middle names of AFP members, signatures and
mobile telephone numbers of AFP members.
Information Publication Scheme
Please be advised that effective 1 May 2011 and in accordance with section
8(2) of the Act, an agency is required to publish information on the AFP
website following the notification of a decision in respect of a freedom
of information request. Details of the decision will be published in a
Disclosure Log which can be found at
[1]https://www.afp.gov.au/about-us/informat....
The requirement to publish information released under FOI reinforces the
objectives of the FOI Act to promote a pro-disclosure culture across
government, and to increase recognition that information held by
government is a national resource. Exceptions to the requirement to
publish information would apply to personal information and information
concerning the business affairs of a person if it was considered
‘unreasonable’ to do so.
If however, after noting the above, you wish to raise any concerns about
the publication of information concerning your request prior to the
notification of a decision, please advise the AFP in writing before 17
February 2025.
If you have any queries in relation to this matter, please do not hesitate
to contact our team at [2][AFP request email].
Yours sincerely,
AFP27037
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION OFFICER - COMMERCIAL, GOVERNANCE & INFORMATION
AFP LEGAL – CORPORATE | CHIEF COUNSEL PORTFOLIO
[3]Australian Federal Police
The Australian Federal Police acknowledges the Traditional Owners and
Custodians of Country
throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and
community. We pay
our respects to First Nations people, culture and Elders past, present and
emerging.
References
Visible links
1. https://www.afp.gov.au/about-us/informat...
2. mailto:[AFP request email]
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #12740 email]
This request has been made by an individual using Right to Know. This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. More information on how Right to Know works can be found at:
https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...
Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses will be delayed.
If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's FOI page.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
**********************************************************************
WARNING
This email message and any attached files may contain information
that is confidential and subject of legal privilege intended only for
use by the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you
are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for
delivering the message to the intended recipient be advised that you
have received this message in error and that any use, copying,
circulation, forwarding, printing or publication of this message or
attached files is strictly forbidden, as is the disclosure of the
information contained therein. If you have received this message in
error, please notify the sender immediately and delete it from your
inbox.
AFP Web site: http://www.afp.gov.au
**********************************************************************
OFFICIAL
Dear Sean
I refer to your FOI request LEX 3498 made in the following terms:
“1. Initial communication from international law enforcement agencies to
the AFP relating to a joint operation named "Cookie Monster" that the AFP
took part in during 2023 to seized the domain or website associated with
the black market site "Genesis'.
2. Any documentation pertaining to the design of the websites "Seizure
image" or the AFP logo placement on the image.
3. Internal communications or memorandums pertaining to the immediate
aftermath of the websites seizure, limited to a 7 day search period from
intial take down.
4. Any screenshots or images of the genesis UI, homepage, user
marketplace, landing page, or other publicly facing page prior to the
application of the takedown banner.
5. Any combination of HTML/CSS or other website data that was used to
display the website itself (Ie: the files used to make the sites design)”
Searches are currently being undertaken by the relevant AFP business
areas.
I am reaching out to clarify Point 5 of your request. You request data
that was used to display the ‘website’ itself (i.e. files used to make the
site’s design). Can you please clarify if you are referring to the Genesis
site, or the seizure website?
Kind regards
AFP27037
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION OFFICER - COMMERCIAL, GOVERNANCE & INFORMATION
AFP LEGAL – CORPORATE | CHIEF COUNSEL PORTFOLIO
[1]Australian Federal Police
The Australian Federal Police acknowledges the Traditional Owners and
Custodians of Country
throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and
community. We pay
our respects to First Nations people, culture and Elders past, present and
emerging.
**********************************************************************
WARNING
This email message and any attached files may contain information
that is confidential and subject of legal privilege intended only for
use by the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you
are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for
delivering the message to the intended recipient be advised that you
have received this message in error and that any use, copying,
circulation, forwarding, printing or publication of this message or
attached files is strictly forbidden, as is the disclosure of the
information contained therein. If you have received this message in
error, please notify the sender immediately and delete it from your
inbox.
AFP Web site: http://www.afp.gov.au
**********************************************************************
References
Visible links
1. http://www.afp.gov.au/
Dear FOI,
In regards to your clarification request, I'll clarify it now. Either. Originally point 5 was in reference to the Genesis site itself however I would also accept the data pertaining to the seizure site. Ideally both but I'm happy with either.
Yours sincerely,
Sean
OFFICIAL
Dear Sean
Thank you for clarifying. I can confirm this information has been passed on to the relevant AFP business area to conduct searches for documents.
Kind regards
AFP27037
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION OFFICER - COMMERCIAL, GOVERNANCE & INFORMATION
AFP LEGAL – CORPORATE | CHIEF COUNSEL PORTFOLIO
The Australian Federal Police acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country
throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay
our respects to First Nations people, culture and Elders past, present and emerging.
-----Original Message-----
From: Sean <[FOI #12740 email]>
Sent: Friday, 31 January 2025 1:39 PM
To: FOI <[email address]>
Subject: Re: FOI Request LEX 3498 - Clarification of request [SEC=OFFICIAL] [AFP-L.FID204907]
Dear FOI,
In regards to your clarification request, I'll clarify it now. Either. Originally point 5 was in reference to the Genesis site itself however I would also accept the data pertaining to the seizure site. Ideally both but I'm happy with either.
Yours sincerely,
Sean
-----Original Message-----
OFFICIAL
Dear Sean
I refer to your FOI request LEX 3498 made in the following terms:
“1. Initial communication from international law enforcement agencies to
the AFP relating to a joint operation named "Cookie Monster" that the AFP
took part in during 2023 to seized the domain or website associated with
the black market site "Genesis'.
2. Any documentation pertaining to the design of the websites "Seizure
image" or the AFP logo placement on the image.
3. Internal communications or memorandums pertaining to the immediate
aftermath of the websites seizure, limited to a 7 day search period from
intial take down.
4. Any screenshots or images of the genesis UI, homepage, user
marketplace, landing page, or other publicly facing page prior to the
application of the takedown banner.
5. Any combination of HTML/CSS or other website data that was used to
display the website itself (Ie: the files used to make the sites design)”
Searches are currently being undertaken by the relevant AFP business
areas.
I am reaching out to clarify Point 5 of your request. You request data
that was used to display the ‘website’ itself (i.e. files used to make the
site’s design). Can you please clarify if you are referring to the Genesis
site, or the seizure website?
Kind regards
AFP27037
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION OFFICER - COMMERCIAL, GOVERNANCE & INFORMATION
AFP LEGAL – CORPORATE | CHIEF COUNSEL PORTFOLIO
[1]Australian Federal Police
The Australian Federal Police acknowledges the Traditional Owners and
Custodians of Country
throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and
community. We pay
our respects to First Nations people, culture and Elders past, present and
emerging.
References
Visible links
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #12740 email]
This request has been made by an individual using Right to Know. This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. More information on how Right to Know works can be found at:
https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...
Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses will be delayed.
If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's FOI page.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
**********************************************************************
WARNING
This email message and any attached files may contain information
that is confidential and subject of legal privilege intended only for
use by the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you
are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for
delivering the message to the intended recipient be advised that you
have received this message in error and that any use, copying,
circulation, forwarding, printing or publication of this message or
attached files is strictly forbidden, as is the disclosure of the
information contained therein. If you have received this message in
error, please notify the sender immediately and delete it from your
inbox.
AFP Web site: http://www.afp.gov.au
**********************************************************************
Dear FOI,
Thank you for letting me know. I have an additional question that you may be able to provide clarity on. I wish to file FOI requests for several dozen more sites, in fact any site that the AFP has been a part of a seizure for. I understand my requests will take up resources and delay other FOI requests. Is there a more efficient way I can go about making my requests so they do not become too burdensome on your end?
Yours sincerely,
Sean
OFFICIAL
Dear Sean
Thank you for your email forewarning us about your intention to file several more requests.
Unfortunately, there is no clear way to lessen the burden on the FOI team when processing these requests.
However, to prevent a large diversion of AFP resources, I would suggest potentially narrowing the scope of your requests and ensuring the documents you are requesting are clearly identified. This eliminates back-and-forth correspondence between the FOI team, AFP business areas and yourself attempting to clarify what information falls within the scope of your request.
In general, correspondence between the AFP and international agencies and references to police methodology and investigative functions are at the forefront of the nature of material you are requesting/intend to request. Therefore, a large portion of the information in these types of documents will likely be exempt in any event under the FOI Act. It is therefore useful to consider whether requesting the material through FOI will produce the information you are seeking.
Should you have any further queries, please reach out to the FOI team.
Kind regards
AFP27037
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION OFFICER - COMMERCIAL, GOVERNANCE & INFORMATION
AFP LEGAL – CORPORATE | CHIEF COUNSEL PORTFOLIO
The Australian Federal Police acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country
throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay
our respects to First Nations people, culture and Elders past, present and emerging.
-----Original Message-----
From: Sean <[FOI #12740 email]>
Sent: Friday, 31 January 2025 2:53 PM
To: FOI <[email address]>
Subject: RE: FOI Request LEX 3498 - Clarification of request [SEC=OFFICIAL] [AFP-L.FID204907]
Dear FOI,
Thank you for letting me know. I have an additional question that you may be able to provide clarity on. I wish to file FOI requests for several dozen more sites, in fact any site that the AFP has been a part of a seizure for. I understand my requests will take up resources and delay other FOI requests. Is there a more efficient way I can go about making my requests so they do not become too burdensome on your end?
Yours sincerely,
Sean
-----Original Message-----
OFFICIAL
Dear Sean
Thank you for clarifying. I can confirm this information has been passed on to the relevant AFP business area to conduct searches for documents.
Kind regards
AFP27037
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION OFFICER - COMMERCIAL, GOVERNANCE & INFORMATION
AFP LEGAL – CORPORATE | CHIEF COUNSEL PORTFOLIO
The Australian Federal Police acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country
throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay
our respects to First Nations people, culture and Elders past, present and emerging.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #12740 email]
This request has been made by an individual using Right to Know. This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. More information on how Right to Know works can be found at:
https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...
Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses will be delayed.
If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's FOI page.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
**********************************************************************
WARNING
This email message and any attached files may contain information
that is confidential and subject of legal privilege intended only for
use by the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you
are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for
delivering the message to the intended recipient be advised that you
have received this message in error and that any use, copying,
circulation, forwarding, printing or publication of this message or
attached files is strictly forbidden, as is the disclosure of the
information contained therein. If you have received this message in
error, please notify the sender immediately and delete it from your
inbox.
AFP Web site: http://www.afp.gov.au
**********************************************************************
Our reference: RQ25/01083
Agency reference: LEX 3498
Agency name Australian Federal Police
By Email: [AFP request email]
Name Sean
By Email:
[FOI #12740 email]
Extension of time under s 15AB
Dear Parties,
Please find attached an extension of time decision relating to the above
referenced FOI request.
Regards,
[1][IMG] Andriana DeIeso
Review Adviser
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
GPO Box 5288 Sydney NSW 2001
E [2][email address]
I am available Tuesday and Wednesday.
Please note: The OAIC has revised its IC review procedures from 1 July
2024. For more information about these revised procedures, including new
resources to assist applicants and respondents, see our webpage:
[3]Information Commissioner reviews | OAIC
The OAIC acknowledges Traditional Custodians of Country across
Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and
communities. We pay our respect to First Nations people,
cultures and Elders past and present.
[4]Subscribe to Information Matters
Notice:
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References
Visible links
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2. mailto:[email address]
3. https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-infor...
4. https://www.oaic.gov.au/engage-with-us/n...