One of the state’s most wanted men will face court tomorrow, after being extradited from Darwin and charged with a number of alleged serious and violent offences.
In November 2019, officers attached to the Criminal Groups Squad established Strike Force Newnham to investigate the members and associates of two high-profile Organised Criminal Networks (OCNs) and their alleged activities across Sydney.
Since the inception of the strike force, detectives have made over 20 arrests, laid 90 charges, and seized firearms, illicit drugs and over 20 high-performance vehicles to the value of $2.5 million.
As part of inquiries, detectives sought a warrant for the arrest of one of the men over a number of organised crime-related offences, including directing a criminal group and conspiracy to murder.
On Sunday 3 December 2023, the man – now aged 28 – was arrested by the Australian Federal Police in Darwin following his deportation from Turkey.
Detectives attached to Criminal Groups Squad travelled to Darwin where they applied for, and were granted, the man’s extradition to NSW in Darwin Magistrates Court yesterday (Monday 4 December 2023).
About 1.30pm AEDT today (Tuesday 5 December 2023), the man was escorted by detectives on a flight from Darwin, which landed at Sydney Airport about 6pm.
The 28-year-old was taken to Surry Hills Police Station where he was charged with 11 offences including:
– Conspire and agree to murder any person,
– Two counts of knowingly direct activities of criminal group,
– Participate criminal group,
– Supply prohibited drug >= commercial quantity,
– Deal with property proceeds of crime => $100000,
– Contravene serious crime prevention order,
– Reckless grievous bodily harm – in company,
– Assault person intend criminal activity of criminal group,
– Affray, and
– Do act etc intending to pervert the course of justice.
He was refused bail to appear in Downing Centre Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 6 December 2023).
Police will allege in court the man was responsible for a failed assassination in 2021, as well as directing an Organised Crime Network in illegal activities such as commercial drug supply.
