Raptor Squad officers have charged three men after uncovering an alleged kidnapping conspiracy in Sydney's west.
On Thursday 27 February 2025, officers attached to Parramatta Police Area Command witnessed three men wearing balaclavas running from a car in North Parramatta.
A 30-year-old was arrested at the scene, and a 34-year-old was arrested nearby appearing to attempt to wipe down a car.
During a subsequent search of the car, police located mobile phones, duct tape, flexi cuffs and a baseball bat.
Both men were taken to Parramatta Police Station the younger man was charged with breach of bail, and the older man was charged with hinder discovery evidence re: serious indictable offence.
They were refused bail to appear in Parramatta Local Court the next day, with inquiries continuing into their involvement in a potential alleged kidnapping conspiracy.
The matter was referred to State Crime Command's Raptor Squad who commenced Strike Force Drever to investigate.
Detectives then identified a man they believed was the target of the kidnapping conspiracy – a 36-year-old Carlingford man – and when police spoke to him, they located a GPS tracker on his car.
Two locations were then identified; one in May Hills, which police will allege was the proposed staging location for the kidnapping, and the other in Homebush, which police will allege was going to be used by the conspirators to hold the victim during the kidnapping.
About 6am on Tuesday 11 March 2025, officers executed a search warrant at the Mays Hill address where they located disposable gloves, duct tape, cable ties and packaging for a GPS tracker.
Following further inquiries, about 6.15am on Tuesday 18 March 2025, officers executed a search warrant at a unit in Bankstown.
At the location, a 36-year-old man resisted arrest before alleging attempting to dispose of two firearms over the balcony.
During a search of the location, police also seized gloves and a mask.
The man was eventually arrested and taken to hospital for examination to injuries sustained during the arrest, before he was taken to Bankstown Police Station where he was charged with 19 offences relating to the conspiracy and firearms, including conspiracy to commit a kidnap in company with intent serious indict occasion actual bodily harm, install/use tracking device to find person no consent, two counts of acquire etc firearm - subject to prohibition order and acquire etc ammunition subject to prohibition order.
He was refused bail and appeared in Bankstown Local Court yesterday.
Investigations under Strike Force Drever continue.
