He masterminded the entire operation from thousands of kilometres away in Eastern Europe, directing associates in Australia in how to turn the drugs into pills, on-sell the product and send the proceeds via money remitters back to Europe. These 10 suburbs with the highest crime rates were; 1. This perception was shattered in early August when members of infamous Sydney crime families were arrested in Dubai in a transnational drug sting. - Currently serving a 13-year jail term for supplying the gun used in shooting of police accountant Curtis Cheng. However, a few months later, Steven Elmir and Rock Ahmad were arrested in a major transnational drug sting targeting some of Sydney's most notorious players. There is evidence of one Sydney remitter sending $265 million overseas in eight years. Pasquale Barbaro (centre) was shot dead in Earlwood in 2016. Estimates from law enforcement suggest that, if that particular shipment had made its way in undetected and had been distributed among drug runs and sold on the streets, even at wholesale prices, the profits would have exceeded $400 million. A source close to the Alameddines said:'For years there were multiple families in that area, but most of the other ones were too focused on each other in the end.'. Now they were wheeling and dealing with Asian organised criminals and using the same intermediaries as rival gangs. Facing more than five years in prison, Bilal will return to the Parramatta District Court on December 11 for sentencing. Investigators have issued Public Safety Orders, banning 22 people mainly friends or members of the Alameddine and Hamzy families from moving across parts of Sydney. Law enforcement agencies see money laundering as the common element in all serious and organised crime. A source with close ties to Hamzy previously told Daily Mail Australia he was rocked by the news of his brother's killing. 9News. Middle Eastern crime gangs have long been a major force in western Sydney and the latest menace in the city's sprawling suburbs are tight-knit members of the Alameddine family. NSW Police have banned two rival Sydney crime families, and some of their associates, from moving between certain suburbs after the shooting murder of Mejid Hamzy last week. Today is a landmark day in the fight against drugs and organised crime, then prime minister Tony Abbott said of the November 2014 bust. But Fairfax Media can reveal that law enforcement sources believe that at least three drug shipments of the same size slipped through the borders before that sting resulting in close to nine tonnes of illicit drugs on the streets. To outsiders, Peter Hoangs was a rag-to-riches story. Rachad, Rafat, Hamdi and Jihad all dined with Norman, Seqeyaro and Paulo, before spotting Ryan and taking a selfie as he passed by their table. Drugs seized en route to NSW: a recent sample. In 2016, the NSW Supreme Court heardDLASTHR had been involved in a number of violent conflicts in the past with other gangs. Emergency services are scrambling to meet a Qantas plane that issued a mayday distress call on its way from New Zealand to Sydney Airport. Prince Harry drops 45 points and Meghan Markle 36 points in just over a month in US public opinion poll James Martin warns This Morning viewers why they should NEVER store their eggs in the fridge. He is also one of three Alameddines - along with his cousins Hamdi and Rachad - facing charges over a violent brawl at Parramatta Westfield on June 15. Law enforcement has told Fairfax Media there is an ever-increasing number of Australian crime figures now moving overseas and operating this way. It will prevent them from associating with other criminals, it will prevent them from utilising weapons of crime, it will prevent them from having encrypted communications, Detective Superintendent Critchlow said. abc730, Qantas flight from Auckland to Sydney issues mayday alert, It's believed more than 100 people are on flight QF144 from Auckland to Sydney. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. His skill for gambling and his high-roller status at Australias casinos made him a go-to man for drug traffickers and likely led to his demise. But as demand ballooned, Keep Reading, The Nugan Hand merchant bank operated from 1973 to 1980 and has been selected as a rare example of systematic money laundering about which there is public knowledge. ', 'We're not stopping. One thing we can confidently say is that he owed many people lots of money, Homicide Squad Detective Sergeant Peter Rudens says. It is going to force some of the major criminals offshore because it is too dangerous for them to conduct business here.. He is described as Caucasian in appearance with long dark hair, about 180cm tall and aged 30 to 35 years old. In fact, it is estimated that a staggering 70 per cent of Australias high-end criminal targets and their associates are now based overseas. The family of a public defender who died while celebrating his wedding anniversary in Mexico believes he was the victim of a "brutal crime," their lawyer said Tuesday. The Alameddine family and some of their associates are prevented from going to Condell Park and other nearby suburbs, including Bankstown and Silverwater, as well as Bronte . Five of the Alameddines - Talal, Rafat, Jihad, Rachad and Hamdi - appeared in Sydney courts on various matters on the same day last month. Will be sentenced on December 18. 18 firearms, 672 rounds of ammunition and nearly $100,000 in cash were allegedly seized by police during the operation. NSW Police fears revenge attacks after the murder of Mejid Hamzy. Murders are symptomatic of heightened organised crime activity, the NSW Crime Commissions annual report states. They are largely orchestrating the criminal activity that is occurring in NSW; there is little doubt they would also have influence in what is happening with organised crime murders in NSW.. We're using every legislative power we have to prevent further crime and make these people stop.'. The shootings were calculated and carefully planned, most involving high-powered weapons, multiple getaway cars and encrypted communications. A WORLD of brutality and "big men" has been uncovered by an ambitious six-year investigation into Sydney's Middle Eastern crime networks. Follow live updates here. Join the conversation with your fellow The New Daily readers and see their replies. Fairfax Media has been made aware of a number of known businesses, particularly in the building and hospitality industries, that have also been established as a way for criminals to launder money. Raids in Blacktown and Auburn also uncovered a haul of illicit substances, police said. With many of the families' leaders either dead or behind bars, the sting focused on some 300 known associates. 'We're sick of this behaviour and we won't tolerate ongoing conduct endangering the whole community. - Awaiting sentencing on gun and drug running charges. These people pose Australias biggest organised crime threat and they are behind the unprecedented amount of drugs breaching the countrys borders. The run manager then employs two or three people to run the drugs to customers. BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. - State Police are still searching for answers to a . What follows is a delicate and dangerous operation that brought down two primary targets for Strike Force Taipan. 'Organised crime is not going anywhere, you can't regulate it, and so you need them to self-regulate. Head Topics, publish breaking news of all around the world. We now have levels and groups that are providing opportunities for illicit wealth and assets to be hidden, Mr Grant says. Through the course of the investigation, police learned Hoangs orphan claims were false. As to whether people from overseas are involved in that, I would say little doubt, Lanyon says. Sydney was founded by criminals who for years formed a majority of its population. Drugs are manufactured and brought in from the more rural parts on the outskirts of Sydney, often overseen by Western Sydney gangs. One of the biggest challenges that I am seeing at the moment is that the drugs are coming from far greater avenues than what there were, State Crime Commands new Assistant Commissioner, Mal Lanyon, says. In return he was handed $28,000 by the undercover officer. The investigation, which is ongoing, includes the killings of Pasquale Barbaro, Hamad Assaad, Walid Wally Ahmad, Safwan Charbaji, Mark Easter, Michael Davey, Adrian Buxton and Mehmet Yilmaz. The Alameddine family and some of their associates are prevented from going to Condell Park and other nearby suburbs, including Bankstown and Silverwater, as well as Bronte and Clovelly in the city's east, as well as Sans Souci and Dolls Point in the city's south. Public Service Orders last only 72 hours so investigators are taking their fight to court to apply for Serious Crime Prevention Orders (SCPO) which last up to five years. Photo: AAP, Subscribe today for unlimited access from only 50c a day. A police source remarked that his death was perhaps the biggest breakthrough police had had in recent years in their bid to stop drugs flooding into Australia. Sydney's western suburbs have long played home to dangerous criminal groups Among them were brothers Mejid and Bassam Hamzy, who is currently in prison Mejid was shot dead in the driveway of his. In late August, authorities claimed one of the biggest scalps for Australian law enforcement. Jihad Alameddine, Rachad's brother, was among those at the dinner and last month pleaded guilty to drug supply and possessioncharges. All rights reserved. By Minyvonne Burke and Austin Mullen / Crime, By Marlene Lenthang and Tim Stelloh / Crime, Police officers treated for chemical burns after investigating suspected stabbing death, Tragic details emerge of slain Sydney mums final moments, Man charged with murder after young mum found dead inside Sydney unit, Two men struck by car after wild brawl in Sydneys Inner West, Man charged after allegedly shooting drivers with nail gun on busy NSW motorway, Almost 10kg of drugs, weapons and $1.5 million in cash seized in Sydney raids, Teen charged with stealing $21,000 worth of equipment from Sydney school, Pair of alleged porch pirates arrested over bizarre stash found in Sydney apartment, Woman hospitalised with serious laceration to her throat after alleged attempted murder, Son arrested after mum found dead at Sydney home, Man charged over alleged sexual touching of children at Sydney shopping centre, The ultimate betrayal: Notorious child killer could walk free from prison within weeks, Young teen leads US police on wild high-speed chase with 11-year-old in passenger seat, Rides shut at popular Gold Coast theme park after alarming discoveries, Devoted US husband celebrating wedding anniversary found dead outside hotel room. Investigators have issued Public Safety Orders, banning 22 people mainly friends or members of the Alameddine and Hamzy families from moving across parts of Sydney. The public safety orders include no-go zones imposed on 22 men, which also restrict who they could associate with, for 72 hours. The younger brother of Brothers 4 Life leader Bassam Hamzy who is serving time in jail for murder was killed near his car at Condell Park last week. Sydney's western suburbs have long played home to dangerous criminal groups Among them were brothers Mejid and Bassam Hamzy, who is currently in prison Police believe Mejid may have been. Six male members of the Alameddine crew are already in jail or before the courts, facing charges related to guns, drugs, violence and organised crime. Officers on Thursday raided a Penshurst home, seizing drugs, weapons and cash. One reason is that energetic and ambitious men who have difficulty obtaining legitimate opportunities turn to illegal ones. The source claimed a number of footsoldiers in the bikie gang were refusing to take on jobs until the mess is cleared up. Our contributors include the great investigators Bob Bottom and Al McCoy, and the wonderfully insightful Sydney artist Michael Fitzjames. 00:11 GMT 07 Nov 2019. Police believe the offender kicked and damaged all 43 cars between 3.30am and 4am and on December 15. To improve your experience, Man drowns attempting to rescue daughter off NSW beach. The changing nature of organised crime was evident in a major covert police sting known as Strike Force Taipan. Police are hoping the new orders will put pressure on associates of the rival families to provide them with information that could crack the case. Among those killed have been convicted killer and standover man and Walid Wally Ahmad, a big figure in Sydneys underworld scene shot dead weeks after a heated argument turned into a deadly gunfight at his smash repair business at Condell Park. There are two significant sources of crime in Sydney: money laundering and drugs. Formed in 2006, MEOCS is the only police squad in Australia that specialises in organised crime by Middle Eastern originated groups. sydney crime families. 'Not only has this boss pissed off a very serious crime family by the kidnapping, he has pissed off members of his own gang now,' a well placed source told the publication. Details from his court case revealed he held about $75 million worth of chips at the casino over the prior decade and possibly gambled up to $1 billion. The-tit-for-tat violence that ensued forced senior figures in the Ahmad network and the Elmir clan to meet in an attempt to broker a truce. Bilal and his associate had met with the officer on three occasions to exchange guns and drugs for cash in the month before their arrest. Large amounts hundreds of millions are transferred offshore through remitting agencies. More money means more violence but Sydneys organised criminals never let murder get in the way of business. Hoang was shot in the face in a back street of Croydon Park. Kamra Zolfonoon under police surveillance in Kingsgrove in 2013. Mejid Hamzy's execution has left police fearing retaliation attacks and led to a flood of police presence in the area. It was labelled by Australian police and politicians a landmark day in the never-ending fight against the drug trade. Mr Lanyon said that if someone had imported 20 kilograms of drugs 10 years ago that would have been significant; now police and Australian Border Force are seizing single shipments concealing tonnes of drugs. Since the brutal, fatal brawl between the Hells Angels and Comancheros at Sydney Airport in 2012, police have cracked down on bikie violence. 9News, Qantas flight from Auckland to Sydney issues mayday call due to engine failure, engine failure of the body about the area where the heart sits. A self-proclaimed orphan from Vietnam, he escaped the war and survived a childhood in a Thai refugee camp before making it to Australia. He wanted people to believe he was philanthropic. We have already seen with Robert Trimbole an example of how Keep Reading, The mafia is a general term used to describe organised crime gangs of predominantly Italian ancestry around the world. Murders are symptomatic of heightened organised crime activity, the NSW Crime Commission says in its latest annual report. What police would classify as a big seizure has changed dramatically over the past decade. Operation Hawk targeted members of the Hamze and Alameddine crime families in a series of raids, starting from 6am on Thursday and concluding at 2am yesterday. Butt out Biden! Investigators have also noticed that crime syndicates have been adopting new ways to import drugs rather than just concealing substances in shipping containers. Phones with this software and a US SIM card can be bought in Sydney for between $2300 and $2800 with a six-month subscription. They are led by the infamous gangster, Bassam Hamzy, and have been in a lar. Meanwhile, ex-Comancheros boss Mark Buddle moved overseas last year, spreading his time between Europe and Thailand after he emerged as a suspect in multiple murder investigations in NSW. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Ahmad "Rock" Ahmad was there and Steven Elmir, the son of fugitive and convicted cocaine trafficker Fawaz Elmir, was involved in the discussions. Ukraines interior minister among 14 killed in helicopter crash near Kyiv, Natural disasters are taking a rising toll on the mental health of Australians, Song sucks: Nick Cave slams AI version of his work as concerns grow about ChatGPT, From floods to fires? by | May 29, 2022 | is vince wilfork still married | city of manvel permits | May 29, 2022 | is vince wilfork still married | city of manvel permits These phones are almost impossible to crack. , updated "We have people dying in the street, we are sick of it.". Just hours after this gun transaction, Jabar would use the weapon to gun down Mr Cheng outside police headquarters at Parramatta - before he was shot dead by police. Is it time Harry & Meghan accept Clarkson's apology and move on? NSW Police have declared war on two rival crime families after a spate of shootings, including the murder of Mejid Hamzy, in Sydneys south-west. Estivales de Musique en, While Yo Gottis birthday was in May, the rapper took to the FedEx Forum in Memphis for his annual Birthday Bash, A mother-of-two was mauled to death by her pet American Bully XL dog after it 'turned mad in the extreme heat'.Joanne, Pearl Jam'sEddie Vedder ejected a concertgoer from the crowdduring a recent gigby the rock band due to apparent,