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Two men have been charged over the alleged extortion of another man and an arson offence, along with other firearms offences in Sydney’s west.
About 1.30pm on Tuesday 5 December 2023, emergency services were called to a home on Eucalyptus Drive at Macquarie Fields, after reports it was on fire.
On arrival, crews from Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the blaze; however, the house was destroyed.
No one was home at the time of the incident.
Detectives from Campbelltown City Police Area Command established a crime scene and commenced an investigation, with initial inquiries indicating someone had forced entry to the home and lit the fire.
As inquiries continued, detectives established Strike Force Deraquin to investigate other potentially-linked incidents.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives executed a search warrant at a home in Ruse about 12.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 12 December 2023), where they arrested a 27-year-old man.
During the search warrant, officers seized three gel-blaster firearms, documentation, and clothing.
A simultaneous search warrant was also executed at a home in Ambarvale, where a 23-year-old man was arrested.
A further two gel-blaster firearms were seized at the Ambarvale property, along with other documentation.
Both men were taken to Campbelltown Police Station.
The younger man was charged with eight offences,
- Aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence
- Demand property with menaces with intent to steal
- Participate criminal group contribute criminal activity
- Supply prohibited firearm to unauthorised person
- Damage property by fire/explosion
- Conspiracy to commit take/detain person in company with intent to obtain advantage
- Possess unauthorised pistol
- Possess unauthorised prohibited firearm.
The older man was charged with the same eight offences, and an additional offence of possess unauthorised prohibited firearm.
Both men were refused bail to appear at Campbelltown Local Court today (Wednesday 13 December 2023).
Police will allege in court the men attempted to extort money from a 22-year-old man known to them as well as several of his family members.
It will be further alleged in court that the pair sent threats and demands to family and associates of the 22-year-old.
A 24-year-old man was arrested at the Ruse property and charged in relation to an unrelated matter. He was also refused bail to appear at Campbelltown Local Court today.
Investigations under Strike Force Deraquin are ongoing.
