Detectives from the Echo Taskforce arrested two people on Saturday as part of an ongoing investigation into a large-scale Middle Eastern Organised Crime syndicate.
The investigation commenced in October 2020 with a focus on the syndicate’s access to firearms, large-scale drug importation and unexplained wealth.
This weekend’s arrest came after police received information that members of the syndicate, including people currently in prison, were actively planning to allegedly kill a number of people.
This led to warrants being executed at residential properties in Mickleham and Ringwood North on Saturday, 23 April.
A 31-year-old Ringwood North man and a 27-year-old Mickleham man were arrested and interviewed in relation to the offence of conspiracy to murder.
The 31-year-old has been remanded while the 27-year-old has been released pending further enquiries.
This investigation into these and a number of other threats linked to the syndicate remain active and ongoing with detectives following up a number of further avenues of enquiry.
Echo Taskforce detectives have made 27 arrests relating to the investigation into this syndicate’s activities to date.
More than 30 search warrants have been executed leading to the seizure of;
• In excess of $2 million
• A $400,000 stolen Porsche
• Approximately 6kg of heroin
• 25.5kg on amphetamine
• 5.6kg of cocaine
• Various quantities of cannabis, GHB and prescription medication
• More than $100,000 in assets being the proceeds of crime
The investigation is linked to a number of other people being arrested by the Australian Federal Police this weekend as part of an investigation into drug trafficking.
A 33-year-old Melbourne man, who is alleged is the head of an organised crime gang, has been charged with Directing activities of a criminal organisation while in prison as well as importing a large commercial quantity of border controlled drugs.
A 28-year-old Melbourne woman with two counts of importing a large commercial quantity of border controlled drugs.
Investigations into the threats to kill and other activities of the syndicate remain ongoing and Victoria Police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to submit at confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
Quotes attributable to Acting Deputy Commissioner Bob Hill, Victoria Police:
“A threat against someone’s life is the most serious and significant threat that can be made.
“Once police received this information, we took a number of steps to disrupt this threat, which included the arrest of two men on Saturday.
“I also want to make it very clear that the investigation into the threats to kill linked to this organised crime syndicate is far from over – we are continuing to follow up a number of other avenues of enquiry.
“I think it is critical that those linked to this syndicate understand this, including those within the prison system.
“Victoria Police is also working closely with other law enforcement agencies including the Australian Federal Police, to target further offending which has included the arrest of a number of other people as part of an investigation into drug trafficking.
“This is a significant result and both of these matters highlight the insidious way organized crime syndicates operate which have the potential to wreak enormous harm on Victorians.”
