Detectives have charged another three people over their alleged roles in the coordinated theft of more than $1 million worth of baby formula across Sydney.
In February 2018, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad received information from retailers relating to the coordinated theft of baby formula and vitamins across Sydney.
Strike Force Dungv was subsequently established to investigate the theft and distribution of the items.
In August 2018, strike force investigators searched two homes in Carlingford and seized 4000 tins of baby formula, large quantities of vitamins, and Manuka honey; all of which are alleged to be stolen.
Officers also seized more than $215,000 cash from one of the properties, which is alleged to be the proceeds of crime.
During the investigation, detectives arrested a 48-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man last year. They remain before the courts.
Following extensive inquiries, a 31-year-old man was arrested by strike force detectives, with the assistance of officers from Australian Border Force (ABF) and Australian Federal Police, after he arrived at Sydney International Airport on a flight from China about 10.30am on Saturday (19 January 2019).
ABF officers also conducted a search of the man’s luggage before being taken by strike force detectives to Mascot Police Station.
He was charged with an arrest warrant for the offences of recklessly deal with the proceeds of crime and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
The Carlingford man was refused bail and appeared at Parramatta Bail Court yesterday (Sunday 20 January 2019), where he was granted strict conditional bail to re-appear at Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday 30 January 2019.
Saturday’s arrest is the fifth by Strike Force Dungv investigators, with a 53-year-old man arrested on Wednesday 19 December 2018 and a 29-year-old woman arrested on Friday 4 January 2019, both at Ryde Police Station.
The man was charged with knowingly participate in criminal group assist crime, and recklessly deal with proceeds of crime.
The woman was charged with participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, and recklessly deal with proceeds of crime.
Both were granted strict conditional bail and are due to appear at Burwood Local Court on 5 February 2019.
Police will allege in court that the two men and woman were part of an organised syndicate receiving more than $1 million worth of stolen products, including baby formula and health supplements, which were then on-sold overseas.
Robbery and Serious Crime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Daniel Doherty, praised the work of Strike Force Dungv investigators.
“This has been a meticulous investigation, with detectives now putting five people before the courts and disrupting a well-coordinated theft syndicate,” Det Supt Doherty said.
“Police will continue to pursue those who seek to make a quick buck at the disadvantage of others and will always strive to stamp out unscrupulous activity.”
Investigations under Strike Force Dungv continue.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Dungv investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
