Robbery & Serious Crime Squad detectives have charged three men following an investigation into an alleged violent kidnapping last month.
Detectives were told between 4.30pm and 6.30pm on Saturday 23 November 2024, a 31-year-old stopped his vehicle in Granville to make a call when he was approached by three unknown males armed with bats.
The driver of the car was allegedly bound with cable ties before he was driven from the scene with the unknown males.
Police understand the man was taken to a property in St Marys where he was allegedly assaulted and tortured.
The victim’s brother allegedly paid a demanded ransom; but despite the ransom being paid, the hostage was not released, and additional ransom was demanded.
About 5.45am on Sunday 24 November 2024, the unknown men arranged to meet the victim’s brother in Panania to receive the additional ransom payment, during which time an altercation took place.
The 31-year-old was able to escape, and officers attached to Bankstown Police Area Command were called to the scene.
The man was taken to hospital where he was treated for his injuries including a black eye, cuts to his head and a deep wound to his left hand.
About 7.10am yesterday (Wednesday 18 December 2024), strike force detectives – with assistance from the Public Order & Riot Squad – executed a search warrant in Leichhardt where they arrested a 19-year-old man.
The man was taken to Newtown Police Station, where he was charged with aggravated assault with intent to take/drive motor vehicle-armed with weapon, take/detain in company with intent to ransom occasion, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, three counts of possess prohibited drug, possess/attempt to, prescribed restricted substance and fail to comply digital evidence access order direction
He was refused bail and appeared in Downing Centre Local Court yesterday.
Simultaneously, strike force detectives executed another search warrant in Kogarah, where they arrested a 25-year-old man.
The man was taken to Hurstville Police Station, where he was charged with aggravated assault with intent to take/drive motor vehicle-armed with weapon and take/detain in company with intent to ransom occasion.
He was refused bail to appear in Sutherland Local Court today (Thursday 19 December 2024).
About 8.40am the same day, strike force detectives executed a search warrant in Prestons and a 19-year-old man was arrested a short time later.
The man was taken to Liverpool Police Station where he was charged with aggravated assault with intent to take/drive motor vehicle-armed with weapon, take/detain in company with intent to ransom occasion and possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit.
He was refused bail to appear in Liverpool Local Court yesterday.
Police will allege the men targeted and kidnapped the 34-year-old man for financial gain.
