Strike Force Celti was formed last December to investigate the activities of an alleged criminal syndicate involved in the fraudulent acquisition of luxury vehicles.
Police said the syndicate was involved in the fraudulent acquisition and on-sale of six luxury vehicles from across Sydney, each valued at more than $80,000.
During the investigation, detectives also received information relating to the allegedly fraudulent acquisition of personal loans and mobile phones.
As part of the investigation eight properties, including two at Guildford and Old Guildford, were raided by police Wednesday, who allegedly seized Lexus vehicles, about 50,000 illicit cigarettes, mobile phones, small quantities of methylamphetamine and cannabis, more than $27,000 cash and documentation.
Financial Crimes Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Linda Howlett, said police have conducted a thorough and extensive investigation into the activities of this alleged criminal syndicate.
“These individuals were participating in a joint criminal enterprise aimed at defrauding the community of hundreds of thousands of dollars that they had no intention of ever repaying,” Det Supt Howlett said.
“This investigation uncovered that the syndicate was purchasing high-end motor vehicles with fraudulently obtained credit cards, before on-selling them at a reduced price.”
The 32-year-old Guildford man was one of three charged with deal with property proceeds of crime, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity and possess identity info to commit indictable offence, while a 36-year-old was also charged with knowingly/recklessly direct criminal group assist crime and recklessly deal with proceeds of crime.
