9 hours ago
Silverwater Correctional Centre inmate arrested over kidnapping conspiracy, theft of high-end vehicles
A Sydney inmate has been charged after police linked him to a kidnapping conspiracy and the theft of high-end vehicles believed to be destined for use by organised crime groups.
The 21-year-old was arrested at Silverwater Correctional Centre around 9.20am on Monday, following an extensive investigation by NSW Police's Taskforce Falcon — a unit established to target serious organised crime across the city.
Police allege the man played a key role in stealing three vehicles earlier this year, including a Haval used in a planned abduction, and a Bentley and Rolls-Royce with a combined value exceeding $800,000.
The charges stem from a dramatic incident in North Parramatta on February 27, when officers from Parramatta Police Area Command witnessed three masked men fleeing from a car.
A subsequent search of the abandoned vehicle uncovered duct tape, flexi cuffs, mobile phones and a baseball bat — items police say pointed to a planned kidnapping.
The matter was swiftly escalated to the State Crime Command's Raptor Squad, which launched Strike Force Drever to probe the broader conspiracy.
That investigation led to charges being laid against three men, all of whom remain before the courts.
In May, detectives identified the jailed man as a suspect in the theft of the Haval SUV linked to the February kidnapping attempt.
Further inquiries allegedly connected him to the high-value theft of a Rolls-Royce and Bentley in March.
Police believe the stolen vehicles were intended to be supplied to criminal syndicates operating across Sydney.
As part of their wider crackdown, authorities formed Taskforce Falcon to consolidate efforts across several strike forces tackling violent organised crime in New South Wales.
The 21-year-old is now facing a string of serious charges, including aggravated break and enter with intent to commit a serious indictable offence in company, theft of property exceeding $60,000, and taking and driving a vehicle without the owner's consent.
He was formally refused bail and appeared in Parramatta Local Court on Monday.
All three vehicles have since been recovered as investigations continue into the extent of the alleged network's operations.
