Lakemba fire linked to organised crime

He was among four charged and police say further arrests are expected.
The investigation began after two men were allegedly seen fleeing a cafe fire in Lakemba about 4.30am on Monday, July 22 – with investigators believing it was linked to organised crime – and an alleged home invasion on Friday, August 30, when a group of men, who were allegedly wearing face coverings and armed with pistols, forced their way into the home and threatened a 50-year-old woman and two young girls before stealing cash and jewellery.
Early last Thursday, homes at Guildford, Greenacre and Bankstown were raided with police allegedly seizing electronic devices and personal items, charging a 23-year-old man and a 20-year-old man from Guildford and a 29-year-old Greenacre man.
All three men were charged with special aggravated break and enter with intent armed with dangerous weapon, robbery in company, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, the 23-year-old was also charged with destroy property with fire, and the 20-year-old man also charged with drive motor vehicle during disqualification period.
A 27-year-old man extradited from South Australia to Sydney was also charged with special aggravated break and enter with intent armed with dangerous weapon, robbery in company, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
Detectives will allege in court the men worked together during the crimes which were conducted on behalf of a larger OCN.
Detective Superintendent Gordon Arbinja, SCC Financial Crime Squad Commander, said these attacks were targeted and stemmed from larger OCNs operating in Sydney.
“What we are seeing in Sydney is that organised crime networks are parcelling out jobs to these smaller crews in order to keep themselves clean,” he said.
“My message is simple. To anyone considering working for criminal syndicates – don’t. Our officers are tirelessly working around the clock to identify you and bring you before the courts.”
Detective Superintendent Joseph Doueihi, SCC Robbery and Serious Crime Commander said police will endeavour to arrest and charge groups that continue to cause terror in Sydney.
“No one should feel afraid or be threatened in their own home, especially young children,” he said.
“While these attacks were targeted, I want the public to know that we will not stop in pursuing these criminals who feel it is their right to commit these crimes.
“For those small-time groups who engage in these needless violent crimes on behalf of other criminals, know you are facing the full might of the NSW Police Force.”
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.