$1bn international crime syndicate busted
Police have taken down one of Australia’s most powerful crime syndicates following a large-scale operation by the Organised Crime Squad.
A total of 43 warrants were executed across Sydney with 26 people arrested and 25 firearms seized.
The raids follow a year long operation by Strike Force Tromperie, which was set up by NSW Police State Crime Comand’s Organised Crime Squad and the NSW Crime Commission.
More than $1bn in criminal funds have reportedly been moved by the syndicate, which originated in Lebanon, linked to gun, drug and tobacco smuggling as well as money laundering.
The investigation came to a head when 450 officers executed 37 search warrants in the Sydney metropolitan area this week.
The investigation turned up more than two tonnes of prohibited drugs and precursor drugs, close to $1.5m in cash, $2m in crypto currency, a Lamborghini, drug manufacturing equipment, 60 burner devices and more than $3m in luxury watches.
Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson said the investigation would not have been possible without the hard work of the officers involved.
“Strike Force Tromperie is a great example of the capabilities of the NSWPF to target an entire criminal network,” he said.
“From the drug, firearm and DECCD (burner device) manufacturers to those laundering large amounts of cash via complex methods.
“The dismantling of this syndicate is the result of an in-depth 12-month investigation and co-ordination of over 450 police officers whose hard work has put these alleged members behind bars.”
The arrests will lead to a safer and more secure state, Mr Hudson added.
“We will allege this international network had tentacles far-reaching into all levels of organised crime here in NSW and is believed to have controlled the illicit drug trade through methods of price determining and fixing,” he said.
“We also believe this alleged criminal syndicate was capable of serious and violent crime, and our state is a safer place with them off our streets.”
A 40-year-old man apprehended at Sydney International Airport on Sunday as part of the operation, believed to be one of the key onshore facilitators, has been charged with nine offences.
He was taken to Mascot Police Station and charged with directing the activities of a criminal group, three counts of supplying prohibited drugs, and five counts of dealing with property proceeds of crime in excess of $4.4m.
An arrest warrant was also issued for a 37-year-old man who is believed to be in Lebanon, a country with which Australia does not have an extradition agreement.
Detective Superintendent Peter Faux said there were also other individuals who were currently off shore of interest.
“There are four people we are aware (are) overseas at the moment who we allege played an important part in this organised crime network,” he said.
“If they remain, I’m sure we will take warrants out for their arrest.”
Several of those arrested are expected to face courts across Sydney throughout the week.
