Taskforce Falcon detectives have charged two people following an investigation into alleged arson attacks last year under Strike Force Athabasca.
Strike Force Athabasca was established in 2025 by State Crime Command’s Financial Crime Squad’s Arson unit, to investigate a series of alleged arson attacks at businesses in Sydney’s west.
About 2am on Monday 23 June 2025, emergency services were called to Railway Parade, Westmead, following reports of an alleged building fire.
On arrival, officers attached to Parramatta Police Area Command located a shop well alight.
Fire and Rescue NSW attended the scene and extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported.
Local police established a crime scene before State Crime Command’s Financial Crimes Squad’s Arson Unit commenced an investigation under Strike Force Athabasca.
Following extensive inquiries, about 6.50pm yesterday (Thursday 18 June 2026) strike force detectives arrested a 20-year-old man on Percy Street, Fairfield Heights, and a 23-year-old man on Percy Street, Chester Hill.
Both men were taken to Cabramatta Police Station, where they were charged with aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
The men were refused bail to appear at Fairfield Local Court today (Friday 19 June 2026).
Strike Force Athabasca inquiries are continuing.
Anyone with information that may assist investigations into organised criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
