Criminal Groups Squad detectives have charged a third man over an alleged illicit tobacco theft, during which one man had his toe partially severed, in Sydney's south-west last month.
About 10.45pm on Saturday 4 January 2025, officers attached to Bankstown Police Area Command were called to a business complex in Allingham Street in Condell Park, following reports of an alleged break and enter.
On arrival police arrested two men, aged 24 and 26, attempting to run from the scene. They were charged and remain before the courts.
Officers conducted a search of a unit at the location and located three men, aged 30, 32 and 38, with their arms and legs bound.
The 38-year-old man suffered significant facial injuries and a partially severed toe.
He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene before being taken to hospital in a serious condition.
The other men were treated for minor injuries.
A crime scene was established and local police commenced an investigation before the matter was taken carriage of by State Crime Command's Criminal Groups Squad.
Following extensive inquiries, about 7.50pm yesterday (Thursday 27 February 2025), strike force detectives arrested a 28-year-old man at Merrylands Police Station, where he was charged with being an accessory before the fact for the offences of take/detain in company with intent to get advantage occasion actual bodily harm and aggravated break and enter with intent -in company-steal etc >$60K, as well as knowingly direct activities of criminal group and breach of bail.
He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Friday 28 February 2025).
Police will allege in court the man coordinated the attempted large-scale illicit tobacco theft.
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.
