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Three men have faced court charged with alleged extortion offences, after Raptor Squad detectives seized designer clothes and shoes worth an estimated $150,000, in Sydney’s west.
In July last year, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad commenced an investigation under Strike Force Autos, after reports a 34-year-old man had allegedly been extorted, robbed and assaulted by a group of men.
The incidents allegedly took place at a home in Tregear between July 2020 and March 2021, with the man seriously assaulted by a group of men – one armed with a pipe – at Londonderry in October 2020.
In separate incidents, a woman – known to the man – was allegedly threatened with violence on several occasions and the man had a restored 1982 VH Holden Commodore and 2012 Harley Davidson V Rod motorcycle taken. They are yet to be recovered.
As part of inquiries, Strike Force officers executed a search warrant at properties on Cypress Drive, Yarrawonga on Monday 24 January 2022. Investigators seized a pistol, two rifles, a shotgun, various ammunition, cannabis, and cash.
The occupant, a 50-year-old man, was charged with numerous firearm offences. He remains before the courts.
Following further inquiries, Raptor Squad officers executed search warrants from 6am yesterday (Tuesday 15 February 2022), at homes in Willmot, Cambridge Park, Mt Druitt, and two properties at Ropes Crossing.
During a search of a home at Ropes Crossing, detectives located and seized mobile phones, $5700 in cash, more than 100 pairs of designer shoes and other high-end clothing believed to be worth in excess of $150,000.
The occupant, a 28-year-old man, was arrested and taken to Mt Druitt Police Station where he was charged with stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm (personal), deal with property proceeds of crime, and goods suspected stolen in/on premises.
A 34-year-old man, from Cambridge Park, was arrested and taken to St Marys Police Station where he was charged with three counts demand property in company with menaces with intent to steal, assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of others, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, and knowingly direct activities of a criminal group.
A 34-year-old man, from Ropes Crossing, was arrested and taken to St Marys Police Station where he was charged with two counts demand property in company with menaces with intent to steal, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
Police will allege in court the three men targeted the other man over an outstanding debt.
They were all refused bail with the younger man appearing at Mt Druitt Local Court yesterday.
The two older men appeared at Penrith Local Court yesterday where they were refused bail. The 34-year-old from Ropes Crossing is next due to appear at Mt Druitt Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 17 February 2022), while the other 34-year-old is next due to appear at Mt Druitt Local Court on Wednesday 13 April 2022.
Investigations under Strike Force Autos are continuing.
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.
