Criminal Groups Squad detectives have charged three men for their alleged roles as a 'freelance gang' being hired to conduct serious criminal acts such as shootings, home invasions and kidnappings across southwest Sydney.
In July 2024, State Crime Command's Criminal Groups Squad detectives established Strike Force Currambene to investigate organised criminal acts including shootings, home invasions, kidnapping and drug supply allegedly being carried out by a group that were hired by and operating on behalf of organised criminal networks.
These incidents include an alleged public place shooting at Austral on Thursday 25 July 2024 and a home invasion and kidnapping at Edmonson Park on Wednesday 14 August 2024
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives – with assistance from Raptor Squad – executed multiple search warrants at homes in Fairfield West, Sadlier, Lakemba, Mt Druitt and St Clair about 6am yesterday (Wednesday 21 August 2024).
During the searches detectives located and seized ketamine, electronic devices, knives and other weapons along with cash and items allegedly stolen during the home invasion and kidnapping.
Three men – two 20-year-old men from Fairfield West and Mt Druitt and an 18-year-old man from Lakemba – were arrested and taken back Fairfield Police Station, Campsie Police Station and Mt Druitt Police Station.
The Fairfield West man was charged with special aggravated break and enter with intent to commit serious indictable offence armed with a dangerous weapon, kidnap in company with intent to commit serious indictable offence occasion actual bodily harm, knowingly direct activities of a criminal group and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
The Lakemba man was charged with participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, conceal serious indictable offence, deal with property proceeds of crime less than $100,000, supply prohibited drug and possess prohibited drug.
The Mt Druitt man was charged with conceal serious indictable offence and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
All three were refused bail to appear before court yesterday with the Fairfield West man appearing before Fairfield Local Court, the Lakemba man appearing before Bankstown Local Court and the Mt Druitt man appearing before Mt Druitt Local Court.
Detectives will allege in court the Fairfield West man led the gang and accepted tasks from organised crime networks including public place shootings and kidnappings.
Detective Superintendent Jason Box, Criminal Groups Squad Commander, said police will continue to investigate these groups committing these serious acts of violence.
"The dismantling of this group is a major blow to organised crime in this state and a relief for the people of south west Sydney.
"No one should think they can commit these serious offences, such as shooting and kidnapping and avoid any consequences for their actions".
"We will continue to target these gangs, syndicates and groups and hold them accountable for these dangerous violent acts". Det Supt Box said.
Investigations under Strike Force Currambene will continue.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
