Task Force Magnus detectives have seized a total of 27 cars worth over $2 million and arrested 20 people for their alleged roles in providing cars to Organised Criminal Networks for the purpose of violent crime.
The allegedly stolen cars seized by police include a variety of makes and models such as Porsches and Ford Rangers, which have been located across the Sydney metropolitan area.
Some of the vehicles were found containing jerry cans of fuel which detectives allege suggest the cars were lying in wait for their use in Organised Crime Networks (OCN) homicides or firearm violence.
Of note, about 7.15am on Wednesday 1 November 2023, task force officers – with assistance from Raptor Squad – executed search warrants at homes in Cranebrook and Tregear, where they arrested a 31-year-old man.
During a search of the addresses, police located car and house keys, an allegedly stolen Yamaha motorcycle, electronics, knives and metal poles believed to be used as weapons.
All items were seized to undergo further forensic examination.
The man was taken to Penrith Police Station, where he was charged with eleven property related offences, relating to seven motor vehicle thefts including:
- Dispose motor vehicle part-theft=serious indictable offence > $5000,
- Two counts of goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (motor vehicle),
- Two counts of aggravated B&E commit serious indictable offence,
- Five counts of steal motor vehicle, and
- Deal with identity to commit etc indictable offence.
He was refused bail and appeared before Penrith Local Court on Thursday 2 November 2023, where he was formally refused bail to reappear in the same court on Friday 19 January 2024.
It comes as detectives appeal for information to identify two men they believe were involved in an unrelated but similar car theft in Kingsford.
Police were told about 5.15am on Monday 23 October, a Porsche Cayenne and a Dodge Ram truck were stolen from a home on Tunstall Avenue in Kingsford.
About 5.30pm the same day, officers located the Porsche on Goddard Street in Erskineville.
As inquiries into that alleged theft continue, police are appealing for information to identify two males seen with the car who may be able to assist with inquiries.
The males are described as being of tall, slim build, and wearing dark tracksuit pants and hooded jumpers.
Anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of the unknown males depicted in the CCTV are urged to contact police.
Task Force Magnus Commander, Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Weinstein said police have foiled a number of violent crimes through the seizures of these allegedly stolen cars.
"Successful Task Force Magnus proactive taskings have been pivotal to our fight against Organised Criminal Networks," Det C/Supt Weinstein said.
"That includes the seizure of what are becoming known as 'kill cars' – cars we will allege were stolen for the purpose of use in carrying out violent crimes across Sydney.
"We are not just solving the violent shootings which have preceded us, but we are actively working to stop any more from occurring.
"We know that cars are critical in organised criminal operations and that's why we're targeting them so fervently."
Inquiries under Task Force Magnus 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.
