Multiple guys from an alleged organised crime syndicate have been charged in connection with an arson attack and a scary armed house invasion in Sydney.
Two men, aged 23 and 20, from Guildford, western Sydney, and another, 29, from Greenacre, also west of Sydney, were arrested on Thursday in connection with a café fire in Lakemba in July and an armed break-in at a Prairiewood property in August.
The first incident occurred about 4.30 a.m. on July 22, when emergency services were dispatched to a café fire on Haldon Street in Lakemba.
There were no injuries, and firemen were able to suppress the fire. Police formed a crime scene, and the fire was investigated as suspicious after reports of males fleeing the area.
The fire is thought to be connected to organised crime.
The second incident was a home invasion at 2 a.m. on August 30 on Westwood Street in Prairiewood, west of Sydney.
Witnesses informed police that a gang of males wearing face masks and wielding firearms forced their way into a residence and threatened a 50-year-old lady and two young girls, ages eight and ten.
The culprits allegedly stole cash and jewelry, and no one was wounded.
Earlier this month, authorities determined that the same group of males was involved for both incidents. Strike force investigators, working with the Raptor Squad and the Tactical Operations Unit, then executed various search warrants in Guildford, Greenacre, and Bankstown around 6 a.m. on September 12.
The three guys were detained and accused with a variety of offenses, including particularly aggravated break and enter with intent while armed with a dangerous weapon and robbery.
A 23-year-old man was charged with property destruction by fire, while a 20-year-old was accused with driving with a disqualified license.
The three guys were denied bail after appearing in court.
On September 13, a fourth guy, aged 27, was detained in South Australia and extradited to Sydney.
He was charged with break and enter with purpose while armed with a dangerous weapon, robbery, and being a member of a criminal organization that contributed to crime.
The man was denied bail and appeared in court on September 14. According to police, the individuals collaborated on the offenses as part of an organized crime network.
“What we are seeing in Sydney is that organised crime networks are parcelling out jobs to these smaller crews in order to keep themselves clean,” said Detective Superintendent Gordon Arbinj, Commander of the SCC Financial Crime Squad.
“My message is straightforward. Anyone thinking about working for a criminal group should reconsider. Our officers are working around the clock to identify you and bring you to court.”
Detective Superintendent Joseph Doueihi reassured the public that police will track down crime organizations generating terror around Sydney.
“No one, particularly small children, should feel fearful or threatened in their own home. While these attacks were targeted, I want the public to know that we will not give up on pursuing these criminals who believe it is their right to perpetrate these crimes,” he said.
“For those small-time groups who engage in these needless violent crimes on behalf of other criminals, know you are facing the full might of the NSW Police Force.”
