Raptor Squad detectives have charged four men following an investigation into an alleged extortion attempt in the state's Riverina region.
In July 2023, Raptor Squad South detectives – with assistance from detectives attached to the Murrumbidgee Police Area Command and the NSW Crime Commission – commenced an investigation into an alleged extortion attempt on a 50-year-old Griffith man.
Police have been told in the months prior, the Griffith man was approached by four males on numerous occasions, where he was physically assaulted and threatened to hand over a sum of money.
Following extensive inquiries, about 10.35am on Wednesday (19 July 2023), officers attached to Murray River Police District Traffic and Highway Patrol Command conducted a high-risk vehicle stop nearly Davey Road, in Table Top, where they arrested a 56-year-old man.
The man was taken to Albury Police Station where he was charged with demand property in company with menaces with intent to steal, aggravated robbery and inflict actual bodily harm, and participate in a criminal group.
He was refused bail and appeared before Albury Local Court yesterday (Thursday 20 July 2023).
About 1.10pm on Wednesday, Raptor Squad South officers executed simultaneous search warrants at two Forbes addresses, where they arrested two men aged 44 and 50.
The men were taken to Parkes Police Station where they were both charged with demand property in company with menaces with intent to steal, aggravated robbery and inflict actual bodily harm, and participate in a criminal group.
They were refused bail and appeared before Parkes Local Court yesterday.
A short time later, Raptor Squad officers – with assistance from Bass Hill Regional Enforcement Squad – executed search warrants at addresses in Merrylands and Guildford, where they arrested a 48-year-old man.
The man was taken to Granville Police Station where he was charged with demand property in company with menaces with intent to steal, aggravated robbery and inflict actual bodily harm, and participate in a criminal group.
He was refused bail and appeared before Parramatta Local Court yesterday.
Following further inquiries, on Thursday (20 July 2023), Raptor Squad officers executed two search warrants in Griffith and Stanbridge.
At the Stanbridge address, police seized 17 firearms and served a Firearms Licence Suspension Notice on a 55-year-old man.
Investigations are ongoing.
