Simeona Malagamaalaa: Firearm charge in Pierre Kassouf kidnapping probe
Police have charged a western Sydney man over an alleged illegal firearm as part of their investigation into an alleged kidnapping of Pierre Kassouf (pictured) and attempted kidnapping of another man.
Blacktown
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- St Marys kidnapping: Fredericks Taufua accused of $4m ransom bid
- Ali Abdulrahman: Man allegedly behind Joe Elias kidnap plot
A western Sydney man has been hit with a gun charge as part of police investigations into an alleged Sydney kidnapping ring.
Simeona Malagamaalaa, 23, was charged with acquiring a pistol subject to a prohibition order after police searched his home on Raspberry Cres, Schofields on June 25.
Police allege they received a tip-off about Mr Malagamaalaa acquiring the illegal gun during their investigations into alleged Sydney kidnappings.
Police have charged five men as part of the investigation into the alleged kidnapping and assault of St Marys automotive businessman Pierre Kassouf in St Marys last November.
It’s alleged Plumpton man Fredericks Sone Taufua, 36, and Kaio Pula, 40, of Mt Pritchard, stormed Mr Kassouf’s St Marys Automotive Smash Repairs workshop on Links Rd, St Marys just after midday on November 25.
The pair allegedly pistol whipped the businessman to the point of unconsciousness and detained him for a $4 million ransom.
Mr Kassouf was found bound in a shed on a property in Shanes Park by real estate agents the next day and was taken to hospital in a critical condition.
Police further allege fellow business owner Ali Abdulrahman, 39, of Luddenham, oversaw the alleged kidnapping and along with the attempted kidnapping of Sydney businessman Joe Elias in Drummoyne on March 6.
It’s alleged Mr Abdulrahman and Mr Pula plotted to kidnap Mr Elias, the brother of former NRL star Ben Elias, by crashing into his car and holding him for ransom. However, Mr Elias escaped.
Mr Abdulrahman is charged with taking or detaining in company with intent to get an advantage (occasioning actual bodily harm), attempting to take or detain in company with intent to get an advantage (occasioning actual bodily harm) and knowingly direct activities of a criminal group.
Mr Pula faces the same offences but is charged with participating, not directing, a criminal group.
Mr Taufua is charged with taking or detaining in company with intent to get advantage while occasioning actual bodily harm, reckless grievous bodily harm in company and using an unauthorised pistol.
The men are yet to enter charges and remain before the courts.
Mr Malagamaalaa faced Blacktown Local Court on Monday on bail where he pleaded not guilty to the charge.
He does not face any charges in relation to the alleged kidnapping.
He will return to court on September 28.