Latest news with #StateCrimeCommand
News.com.au
3 days ago
- News.com.au
Australian first: Man accused of supplying supercharged opioid vapes
A 20-year-old man has become the first person in Australia to be charged with supplying vape liquid laced with nitazene, a highly potent and dangerous synthetic opioid. The arrest follows an investigation by the NSW Police Force drug and firearms squad under Strike Force Southminster, which was established by THE State Crime Command to probe the supply of nitazenes across Sydney. Police allege the man was running a sophisticated illicit drug distribution operation between March and July this year, distributing vape liquid vials infused with the powerful opioid. Detectives executed a search warrant at a home in Revesby about 12.10pm on Friday, August 1, with support from the public order and riot squad. During the search, officers seized electronics, vape hardware, vials, and $7180 in cash. Two imitation firearms and an electrical weapon were also seized and will undergo forensic examination. At the same time, the man was arrested at Liverpool Police Station and charged with supply of a prohibited drug in a commercial quantity and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime. He was refused bail and appeared in Parramatta Local Court on Saturday, August 2, when bail was formally denied. He is due to appear again in Burwood Local Court on Wednesday, September 24. On Monday, August 4, police opened a safe seized during the Revesby raid and discovered a further 1.8kg of nitazene, bringing the total quantity seized in the investigation to 2.1kg. Police will allege in court the man was responsible for the preparation, sale, and distribution of vape vials marketed as 'supercharged' for profit. Detective Superintendent John Watson, commander of the drug and firearms squad, said distributing synthetic opioids through vape liquid presented a serious risk to public health. 'Nitazenes are highly addictive, incredibly potent and can be lethal. By lacing vape liquid with these synthetic opioids, suppliers are deliberately creating dependency, hooking users to ensure repeat business,' Superintendent Watson said. 'It's calculated, dangerous, and entirely profit-driven.' He said this marked the first time anyone in Australia had been charged with supplying nitazene-laced vape liquid, calling it a concerning development in the illicit drug market. 'This is also an important time to remind the public that vaping nicotine without a prescription is illegal in NSW, and when you buy illicit vapes, you have no idea what's inside,' Superintendent Watson said. 'You could be inhaling dangerous chemicals, heavy metals or, in this case, a synthetic opioid that's stronger than fentanyl.' He said anyone concerned about a vape product should stop using it immediately and seek medical advice. 'The public are also urged to report suspicious products to Crime Stoppers; your information could prevent serious harm being done to others,' Superintendent Watson said. NSW Health chief addiction medicine specialist Hester Wilson said authorities were increasingly worried about the potential harm posed by synthetic opioids. 'We want to remind the community of the dangers of synthetic opioids such as nitazenes, which can be stronger than fentanyl,' Dr Wilson said. She urged people to be able to identify the signs of an opioid overdose and take immediate action if they suspected someone was affected. 'It is strongly recommended that anyone who uses any recreational drugs carry naloxone,' Dr Wilson said. 'Naloxone is a lifesaving measure which can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, including from nitazenes. 'Take-home naloxone is available as an easy-to-use nasal spray or injection from NSW community pharmacies, NSW Health needle and syringe programs, opioid treatment services and NUAA.'
The Advertiser
31-07-2025
- The Advertiser
Man taken to hospital under police guard after fire at bikie clubhouse
A man has been taken to hospital under police guard after a fire at the Gladiators Maitland clubhouse, which reportedly comes amid escalating tensions between rival motorcycle gangs. Emergency services were called to Portland Street at Horseshoe Bend in Maitland just after 10am on Wednesday following reports of a fire. The matter has been referred to the State Crime Command's Raptor Squad, which has started investigating. Almost 30 firefighters and seven trucks were sent to the scene. Firefighters from NSW Fire and Rescue extinguished the blaze, which caused minor damage to the exterior of the building. A 63-year-old man was arrested at the property by Port Stephens Hunter police. He was taken to hospital suffering minor injuries. The man remained in hospital under police guard on Wednesday evening. A crime scene was established, which will be forensically examined by police. The Newcastle Herald understands tensions have escalated after the Sydney-based outlaw motorcycle club the Hells Angels descended on the Maitland clubhouse of The Gladiators Motorcycle Club last week. Any information that may assist police with their inquiries should be reported to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. A man has been taken to hospital under police guard after a fire at the Gladiators Maitland clubhouse, which reportedly comes amid escalating tensions between rival motorcycle gangs. Emergency services were called to Portland Street at Horseshoe Bend in Maitland just after 10am on Wednesday following reports of a fire. The matter has been referred to the State Crime Command's Raptor Squad, which has started investigating. Almost 30 firefighters and seven trucks were sent to the scene. Firefighters from NSW Fire and Rescue extinguished the blaze, which caused minor damage to the exterior of the building. A 63-year-old man was arrested at the property by Port Stephens Hunter police. He was taken to hospital suffering minor injuries. The man remained in hospital under police guard on Wednesday evening. A crime scene was established, which will be forensically examined by police. The Newcastle Herald understands tensions have escalated after the Sydney-based outlaw motorcycle club the Hells Angels descended on the Maitland clubhouse of The Gladiators Motorcycle Club last week. Any information that may assist police with their inquiries should be reported to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. A man has been taken to hospital under police guard after a fire at the Gladiators Maitland clubhouse, which reportedly comes amid escalating tensions between rival motorcycle gangs. Emergency services were called to Portland Street at Horseshoe Bend in Maitland just after 10am on Wednesday following reports of a fire. The matter has been referred to the State Crime Command's Raptor Squad, which has started investigating. Almost 30 firefighters and seven trucks were sent to the scene. Firefighters from NSW Fire and Rescue extinguished the blaze, which caused minor damage to the exterior of the building. A 63-year-old man was arrested at the property by Port Stephens Hunter police. He was taken to hospital suffering minor injuries. The man remained in hospital under police guard on Wednesday evening. A crime scene was established, which will be forensically examined by police. The Newcastle Herald understands tensions have escalated after the Sydney-based outlaw motorcycle club the Hells Angels descended on the Maitland clubhouse of The Gladiators Motorcycle Club last week. Any information that may assist police with their inquiries should be reported to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. A man has been taken to hospital under police guard after a fire at the Gladiators Maitland clubhouse, which reportedly comes amid escalating tensions between rival motorcycle gangs. Emergency services were called to Portland Street at Horseshoe Bend in Maitland just after 10am on Wednesday following reports of a fire. The matter has been referred to the State Crime Command's Raptor Squad, which has started investigating. Almost 30 firefighters and seven trucks were sent to the scene. Firefighters from NSW Fire and Rescue extinguished the blaze, which caused minor damage to the exterior of the building. A 63-year-old man was arrested at the property by Port Stephens Hunter police. He was taken to hospital suffering minor injuries. The man remained in hospital under police guard on Wednesday evening. A crime scene was established, which will be forensically examined by police. The Newcastle Herald understands tensions have escalated after the Sydney-based outlaw motorcycle club the Hells Angels descended on the Maitland clubhouse of The Gladiators Motorcycle Club last week. Any information that may assist police with their inquiries should be reported to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Daily Mail
23-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Australia news LIVE: Man charged with alleged kidnapping and $800,000 theft of luxury cars
A Sydney inmate has been hit with fresh charges over his alleged involvement in a kidnapping and the theft of several luxury vehicles, including a Bentley and a Rolls-Royce. Police allege the man, 21, currently detained at Silverwater Jail, stole the cars to supply vehicles to organised crime groups. It follows a four-month investigation by strike force detectives. An investigation was launched after local police allegedly spotted three men wearing balaclavas running from a car in North Parramatta on February 27. Mobile phones, duct tape, flexi cuffs and a baseball bat were seized during a search of the vehicle. Three men have since been charged for their roles in an alleged conspiracy to kidnap and remain before the courts. Last month, the State Crime Command established Taskforce Falcon to oversee a number of strike forces – including Strike Force Drever – to investigate potential links between violent crime in Sydney. As a result of ongoing inquiries, detectives allegedly linked a 21-year-old man to "having a direct involvement" in the theft of a Haval vehicle, which was to be used in the kidnapping at Parramatta. Detectives will further allege the man also stole a Bentley and Rolls-Royce worth over $800,000 in March 2025. All three vehicles have since been recovered. The man was charged with aggravated breaking and entering, stealing over the value of $60,000, taking and driving a car without consent and other offences. He faced Parramatta Local Court on Monday, where he was remanded in custody to reappear at a later date.
The Advertiser
20-06-2025
- The Advertiser
'Vicious murder': one of seven charged after Beaumont Street stabbing makes bail bid
A SUPREME Court judge has described the fatal stabbing of James Callahan on Beaumont Street last year as a "vicious murder" as one of seven people charged made a bid for bail on Friday. Dianne Fernando, 39, will have to wait until at least next week to find out if she will be let out on bail after Acting Justice Monika Schmidt told the court she needed more time to reflect on arguments put forward. Police allege Fernando was driving one of the vehicles captured on CCTV on the night of the fatal stabbing at Hamilton on November 17, 2024. Crown prosecutor Liam Shaw opposed Fernando's bail bid, calling the alleged murder a "shocking crime". "The Crown hasn't included the footage because it is too distressing to watch," he said. Mr Shaw alleged Fernando moved the car she was driving one to two metres closer to the altercation that took Mr Callahan's life, blocking the street and "providing lighting" to the people stabbing him. "It's not just the provision of the knife; from the beginning to the end, the applicant played a part in this episode," he said. Fernando was arrested after detectives from Newcastle's proactive crime team stopped a car on Albert Street at Lambton just before 1pm on February 4. Her solicitor argued elements of the Crown case were "circumstantial" and that if she was to be refused bail, Fernando could remain in custody until a trial at the end of 2026 or the start of 2027. "What we say in terms of the police case against Fernando is that it is largely based on CCTV of her movements, the use of her mobile phone, her proximity to what happened and something a witness heard that they said she said," he said. "Ms Fernando maintains what she said to the police in a statement provided to them that in terms of ultimately what happened, she didn't know what was going on, she wasn't told anything, and she was dumbfounded." The court heard that one of the passengers in the car claims she heard Fernando tell another passenger she shouldn't have given her a knife. Fernando's solicitor argued it was her first time in custody and that before she was arrested, she cared for five of her seven children. He said that prior to being arrested, Fernando suffered serious mental health issues and had sought help from her GP. Acting Justice Schmidt said she expected to deliver her decision early next week. Fernando's solicitor said she had "some criminal history largely made up of driving offences and more recently, but not too recently, some larcenies, fraud and an affray" and mentioned she was on a community corrections order at the time. Newcastle City police officers have been investigating the alleged murder of Mr Callahan under Strike Force Mannum, backed by the State Crime Command's homicide squad. A SUPREME Court judge has described the fatal stabbing of James Callahan on Beaumont Street last year as a "vicious murder" as one of seven people charged made a bid for bail on Friday. Dianne Fernando, 39, will have to wait until at least next week to find out if she will be let out on bail after Acting Justice Monika Schmidt told the court she needed more time to reflect on arguments put forward. Police allege Fernando was driving one of the vehicles captured on CCTV on the night of the fatal stabbing at Hamilton on November 17, 2024. Crown prosecutor Liam Shaw opposed Fernando's bail bid, calling the alleged murder a "shocking crime". "The Crown hasn't included the footage because it is too distressing to watch," he said. Mr Shaw alleged Fernando moved the car she was driving one to two metres closer to the altercation that took Mr Callahan's life, blocking the street and "providing lighting" to the people stabbing him. "It's not just the provision of the knife; from the beginning to the end, the applicant played a part in this episode," he said. Fernando was arrested after detectives from Newcastle's proactive crime team stopped a car on Albert Street at Lambton just before 1pm on February 4. Her solicitor argued elements of the Crown case were "circumstantial" and that if she was to be refused bail, Fernando could remain in custody until a trial at the end of 2026 or the start of 2027. "What we say in terms of the police case against Fernando is that it is largely based on CCTV of her movements, the use of her mobile phone, her proximity to what happened and something a witness heard that they said she said," he said. "Ms Fernando maintains what she said to the police in a statement provided to them that in terms of ultimately what happened, she didn't know what was going on, she wasn't told anything, and she was dumbfounded." The court heard that one of the passengers in the car claims she heard Fernando tell another passenger she shouldn't have given her a knife. Fernando's solicitor argued it was her first time in custody and that before she was arrested, she cared for five of her seven children. He said that prior to being arrested, Fernando suffered serious mental health issues and had sought help from her GP. Acting Justice Schmidt said she expected to deliver her decision early next week. Fernando's solicitor said she had "some criminal history largely made up of driving offences and more recently, but not too recently, some larcenies, fraud and an affray" and mentioned she was on a community corrections order at the time. Newcastle City police officers have been investigating the alleged murder of Mr Callahan under Strike Force Mannum, backed by the State Crime Command's homicide squad. A SUPREME Court judge has described the fatal stabbing of James Callahan on Beaumont Street last year as a "vicious murder" as one of seven people charged made a bid for bail on Friday. Dianne Fernando, 39, will have to wait until at least next week to find out if she will be let out on bail after Acting Justice Monika Schmidt told the court she needed more time to reflect on arguments put forward. Police allege Fernando was driving one of the vehicles captured on CCTV on the night of the fatal stabbing at Hamilton on November 17, 2024. Crown prosecutor Liam Shaw opposed Fernando's bail bid, calling the alleged murder a "shocking crime". "The Crown hasn't included the footage because it is too distressing to watch," he said. Mr Shaw alleged Fernando moved the car she was driving one to two metres closer to the altercation that took Mr Callahan's life, blocking the street and "providing lighting" to the people stabbing him. "It's not just the provision of the knife; from the beginning to the end, the applicant played a part in this episode," he said. Fernando was arrested after detectives from Newcastle's proactive crime team stopped a car on Albert Street at Lambton just before 1pm on February 4. Her solicitor argued elements of the Crown case were "circumstantial" and that if she was to be refused bail, Fernando could remain in custody until a trial at the end of 2026 or the start of 2027. "What we say in terms of the police case against Fernando is that it is largely based on CCTV of her movements, the use of her mobile phone, her proximity to what happened and something a witness heard that they said she said," he said. "Ms Fernando maintains what she said to the police in a statement provided to them that in terms of ultimately what happened, she didn't know what was going on, she wasn't told anything, and she was dumbfounded." The court heard that one of the passengers in the car claims she heard Fernando tell another passenger she shouldn't have given her a knife. Fernando's solicitor argued it was her first time in custody and that before she was arrested, she cared for five of her seven children. He said that prior to being arrested, Fernando suffered serious mental health issues and had sought help from her GP. Acting Justice Schmidt said she expected to deliver her decision early next week. Fernando's solicitor said she had "some criminal history largely made up of driving offences and more recently, but not too recently, some larcenies, fraud and an affray" and mentioned she was on a community corrections order at the time. Newcastle City police officers have been investigating the alleged murder of Mr Callahan under Strike Force Mannum, backed by the State Crime Command's homicide squad. A SUPREME Court judge has described the fatal stabbing of James Callahan on Beaumont Street last year as a "vicious murder" as one of seven people charged made a bid for bail on Friday. Dianne Fernando, 39, will have to wait until at least next week to find out if she will be let out on bail after Acting Justice Monika Schmidt told the court she needed more time to reflect on arguments put forward. Police allege Fernando was driving one of the vehicles captured on CCTV on the night of the fatal stabbing at Hamilton on November 17, 2024. Crown prosecutor Liam Shaw opposed Fernando's bail bid, calling the alleged murder a "shocking crime". "The Crown hasn't included the footage because it is too distressing to watch," he said. Mr Shaw alleged Fernando moved the car she was driving one to two metres closer to the altercation that took Mr Callahan's life, blocking the street and "providing lighting" to the people stabbing him. "It's not just the provision of the knife; from the beginning to the end, the applicant played a part in this episode," he said. Fernando was arrested after detectives from Newcastle's proactive crime team stopped a car on Albert Street at Lambton just before 1pm on February 4. Her solicitor argued elements of the Crown case were "circumstantial" and that if she was to be refused bail, Fernando could remain in custody until a trial at the end of 2026 or the start of 2027. "What we say in terms of the police case against Fernando is that it is largely based on CCTV of her movements, the use of her mobile phone, her proximity to what happened and something a witness heard that they said she said," he said. "Ms Fernando maintains what she said to the police in a statement provided to them that in terms of ultimately what happened, she didn't know what was going on, she wasn't told anything, and she was dumbfounded." The court heard that one of the passengers in the car claims she heard Fernando tell another passenger she shouldn't have given her a knife. Fernando's solicitor argued it was her first time in custody and that before she was arrested, she cared for five of her seven children. He said that prior to being arrested, Fernando suffered serious mental health issues and had sought help from her GP. Acting Justice Schmidt said she expected to deliver her decision early next week. Fernando's solicitor said she had "some criminal history largely made up of driving offences and more recently, but not too recently, some larcenies, fraud and an affray" and mentioned she was on a community corrections order at the time. Newcastle City police officers have been investigating the alleged murder of Mr Callahan under Strike Force Mannum, backed by the State Crime Command's homicide squad.
The Advertiser
20-06-2025
- The Advertiser
Lamborghinis, McLaren seized in NSW counterfeiting ring bust
Three men have been arrested after allegedly racking up nearly $10 million by selling counterfeit luxury goods on social media, and several high-end vehicles in their possession have been seized. A total of nine vehicles were seized in Sydney as part of Strike Force Alcova, with the cars having a combined value of approximately $3 million. Imagery provided by the NSW Police Force reveals a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, Urus and Huracan, a McLaren 765LT, and a Mercedes-AMG A35 being seized by officers on Wednesday (June 18). Also seized by officers were 500 counterfeit luxury items, $270,000 in cash, and a gel blaster firearm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Search warrants were executed in Fairfield East, Merrylands and Guildford and three men were arrested. Strike Force Alcova was established by State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad Unexplained Wealth Team and the NSW Crime Commission to investigate an organised criminal syndicate allegedly involved in selling counterfeit luxury goods. These goods included clothes, watches, shoes and handbags sold via social media sites, and investigators allege the group had moved approximately $9.75 million in profits through various bank accounts. The men were charged with dealing with property proceeds of crime, recklessly dealing with the proceeds of general crime intended to conceal, and participating in criminal group activity, among other offences, and were refused bail to appear in Paramatta Local Court yesterday. "We will allege these individuals built a multi-million-dollar empire by deceiving consumers and undermining legitimate businesses," said Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, Commander of State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad. "Behind the filters and followers was a sophisticated criminal enterprise exploiting digital platforms to sell counterfeit luxury goods." "The evidence suggests this criminal group stockpiled significant wealth – vehicles, cash, and luxury goods – through the sale of counterfeit items. These assets are now under the control of the NSW Crime Commission," said NSW Crime Commission executive director Darren Bennett, noting the significant seizure of "tainted assets". This comes just weeks after an Australian Federal Police-led taskforce seized a collection of exotic vehicles from a NSW pharmacist who allegedly made false claims under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for almost a decade. This alleged criminal's collection also included Lamborghinis and McLarens. A McLaren 765LT was seized following the execution of a search warrant at a house in Dural, as were a Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae and an Aventador SVJ – the latter wearing a colour scheme perhaps best described as resembling Barney the Dinosaur. Content originally sourced from: Three men have been arrested after allegedly racking up nearly $10 million by selling counterfeit luxury goods on social media, and several high-end vehicles in their possession have been seized. A total of nine vehicles were seized in Sydney as part of Strike Force Alcova, with the cars having a combined value of approximately $3 million. Imagery provided by the NSW Police Force reveals a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, Urus and Huracan, a McLaren 765LT, and a Mercedes-AMG A35 being seized by officers on Wednesday (June 18). Also seized by officers were 500 counterfeit luxury items, $270,000 in cash, and a gel blaster firearm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Search warrants were executed in Fairfield East, Merrylands and Guildford and three men were arrested. Strike Force Alcova was established by State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad Unexplained Wealth Team and the NSW Crime Commission to investigate an organised criminal syndicate allegedly involved in selling counterfeit luxury goods. These goods included clothes, watches, shoes and handbags sold via social media sites, and investigators allege the group had moved approximately $9.75 million in profits through various bank accounts. The men were charged with dealing with property proceeds of crime, recklessly dealing with the proceeds of general crime intended to conceal, and participating in criminal group activity, among other offences, and were refused bail to appear in Paramatta Local Court yesterday. "We will allege these individuals built a multi-million-dollar empire by deceiving consumers and undermining legitimate businesses," said Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, Commander of State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad. "Behind the filters and followers was a sophisticated criminal enterprise exploiting digital platforms to sell counterfeit luxury goods." "The evidence suggests this criminal group stockpiled significant wealth – vehicles, cash, and luxury goods – through the sale of counterfeit items. These assets are now under the control of the NSW Crime Commission," said NSW Crime Commission executive director Darren Bennett, noting the significant seizure of "tainted assets". This comes just weeks after an Australian Federal Police-led taskforce seized a collection of exotic vehicles from a NSW pharmacist who allegedly made false claims under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for almost a decade. This alleged criminal's collection also included Lamborghinis and McLarens. A McLaren 765LT was seized following the execution of a search warrant at a house in Dural, as were a Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae and an Aventador SVJ – the latter wearing a colour scheme perhaps best described as resembling Barney the Dinosaur. Content originally sourced from: Three men have been arrested after allegedly racking up nearly $10 million by selling counterfeit luxury goods on social media, and several high-end vehicles in their possession have been seized. A total of nine vehicles were seized in Sydney as part of Strike Force Alcova, with the cars having a combined value of approximately $3 million. Imagery provided by the NSW Police Force reveals a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, Urus and Huracan, a McLaren 765LT, and a Mercedes-AMG A35 being seized by officers on Wednesday (June 18). Also seized by officers were 500 counterfeit luxury items, $270,000 in cash, and a gel blaster firearm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Search warrants were executed in Fairfield East, Merrylands and Guildford and three men were arrested. Strike Force Alcova was established by State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad Unexplained Wealth Team and the NSW Crime Commission to investigate an organised criminal syndicate allegedly involved in selling counterfeit luxury goods. These goods included clothes, watches, shoes and handbags sold via social media sites, and investigators allege the group had moved approximately $9.75 million in profits through various bank accounts. The men were charged with dealing with property proceeds of crime, recklessly dealing with the proceeds of general crime intended to conceal, and participating in criminal group activity, among other offences, and were refused bail to appear in Paramatta Local Court yesterday. "We will allege these individuals built a multi-million-dollar empire by deceiving consumers and undermining legitimate businesses," said Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, Commander of State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad. "Behind the filters and followers was a sophisticated criminal enterprise exploiting digital platforms to sell counterfeit luxury goods." "The evidence suggests this criminal group stockpiled significant wealth – vehicles, cash, and luxury goods – through the sale of counterfeit items. These assets are now under the control of the NSW Crime Commission," said NSW Crime Commission executive director Darren Bennett, noting the significant seizure of "tainted assets". This comes just weeks after an Australian Federal Police-led taskforce seized a collection of exotic vehicles from a NSW pharmacist who allegedly made false claims under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for almost a decade. This alleged criminal's collection also included Lamborghinis and McLarens. A McLaren 765LT was seized following the execution of a search warrant at a house in Dural, as were a Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae and an Aventador SVJ – the latter wearing a colour scheme perhaps best described as resembling Barney the Dinosaur. Content originally sourced from: Three men have been arrested after allegedly racking up nearly $10 million by selling counterfeit luxury goods on social media, and several high-end vehicles in their possession have been seized. A total of nine vehicles were seized in Sydney as part of Strike Force Alcova, with the cars having a combined value of approximately $3 million. Imagery provided by the NSW Police Force reveals a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, Urus and Huracan, a McLaren 765LT, and a Mercedes-AMG A35 being seized by officers on Wednesday (June 18). Also seized by officers were 500 counterfeit luxury items, $270,000 in cash, and a gel blaster firearm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Search warrants were executed in Fairfield East, Merrylands and Guildford and three men were arrested. Strike Force Alcova was established by State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad Unexplained Wealth Team and the NSW Crime Commission to investigate an organised criminal syndicate allegedly involved in selling counterfeit luxury goods. These goods included clothes, watches, shoes and handbags sold via social media sites, and investigators allege the group had moved approximately $9.75 million in profits through various bank accounts. The men were charged with dealing with property proceeds of crime, recklessly dealing with the proceeds of general crime intended to conceal, and participating in criminal group activity, among other offences, and were refused bail to appear in Paramatta Local Court yesterday. "We will allege these individuals built a multi-million-dollar empire by deceiving consumers and undermining legitimate businesses," said Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, Commander of State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad. "Behind the filters and followers was a sophisticated criminal enterprise exploiting digital platforms to sell counterfeit luxury goods." "The evidence suggests this criminal group stockpiled significant wealth – vehicles, cash, and luxury goods – through the sale of counterfeit items. These assets are now under the control of the NSW Crime Commission," said NSW Crime Commission executive director Darren Bennett, noting the significant seizure of "tainted assets". This comes just weeks after an Australian Federal Police-led taskforce seized a collection of exotic vehicles from a NSW pharmacist who allegedly made false claims under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for almost a decade. This alleged criminal's collection also included Lamborghinis and McLarens. A McLaren 765LT was seized following the execution of a search warrant at a house in Dural, as were a Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae and an Aventador SVJ – the latter wearing a colour scheme perhaps best described as resembling Barney the Dinosaur. Content originally sourced from:
