The NSW Police Force’s Strike Force Raptor has successfully transported a high-risk detainee into the custody of the Australian Border Force (ABF) this morning.
In April 2015, NSW Police referred the 51-year-old Lebanese man to the Department of Home Affairs, for consideration of visa cancellation.
Inquiries were subsequently launched by the ABF-led Operation Ravelin under National Task Force Morpheus, the joint agency initiative targeting crime associated with outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCG).
Following inquiries, the man’s visa was cancelled under character grounds at section 501 of the Migration Act 1958, due to his extensive criminal history. Making him liable for removal from Australia on completion of his prison sentence.
Around 10am today (Thursday 29 October 2020), the man was transferred into the custody of Strike Force Raptor by Corrective Services NSW for the purposes of securely transporting him to an immigration detention facility.
The operation was executed without incident, and the detainee was placed into the custody of ABF officials about 11am.
NSWPF State Crime Commander, Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith, said this sends a clear message to those involved in organised crime that any behaviour that endangers the community will not be tolerated.
“The violent behaviour we have witnessed in recent weeks is simply unacceptable, and as you have seen, the NSW Police Force is prepared to use all powers available to us to ensure the people of NSW can feel safe,” Assistant Commissioner Smith said.
“Today, a person who for many years has conducted criminal activity with little regard for devastation he has left in his wake, has departed NSW never to return and we hope the community can find solace in that.
“NSW Police would like to thank the Department of Home Affairs, Australian Border Force, Australian Federal Police and Corrective Services NSW, for their assistance with this morning’s successful operation,” Assistant Commissioner Smith said.
