The two men, aged 31 and 32, were among 28 people arrested when police raided 43 properties and allegedly seized 25 firearms as part of large-scale investigation by the Organised Crime Squad targeting one of the most powerful Organised Criminal Networks (OCN) in Australian history.
Strike Force Tromperie was established by State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad and the NSW Crime Commission – with assistance from Australian Border Force – to target the activities of a syndicate originating from Lebanon, linked to the movement of over $1 billion through firearm, drug, tobacco and money laundering offences.
The year-long investigation resulted in a 450-officer strong operation, during which police arrested 24 people and executed 37 search warrants in the Sydney metropolitan area over two days.
Police also allegedly seized over 60 Dedicated Encrypted Criminal Communication Devices, nearly $1.5 million in cash, $2 million in cryptocurrency, a Lamborghini, over $3 million worth of luxury watches, equipment consistent with drug manufacture and two tonnes of prohibited drugs and precursor drugs with a street value of over $130 million.
Deputy Commissioner David Hudson said this investigation had dismantled one of the most significant and powerful criminal networks in Australian history.
“Strike Force Tromperie is a great example of the capabilities of the NSWPF to target an entire criminal network from the drug, firearm and DECCD manufacturers, to those laundering large amounts of cash via complex methods,” he said.
“We will allege this international network had tentacles far-reaching into all levels of organised crime here in NSW and is believed to have controlled the illicit drug trade through methods as price determining and fixing.
“We also believe this alleged criminal syndicate was capable of serious and violent crime, and our State is a safer place with them off our streets.”
