Omar Kouchaji, Feras Jallad, Ayman Baltaji charged over alleged robberies
Three men have been charged following raids across western Sydney as police investigate a spate of alleged armed robberies targeting pharmacies, fast food restaurants and a brothel.
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Four men have been charged after a string of robberies on Sydney northwest businesses over the last year.
Among the alleged robberies was one at knifepoint at the PharmaSave in Appletree Shopping Centre at Cherrybrook on June 30, where two men, one allegedly armed with a knife, entered and allegedly threatened two women demanding they open the safe.
Police will allege they fled with money and prescription medication.
In another alleged attack where four men — allegedly armed with machete’s and knives — threatening several staff and customers at a Castle Hill chemist on November 6, 2019 before fleeing with cash and prescription medication.
The other alleged robberies were at a fast-food restaurant in Milperra on December 8 last year where two armed men allegedly threatened customers and staff before fleeing with cash.
In another incident, police will allege three men assaulted two staff members on December 30 last year at a business in Bankstown.
Following investigations, 24-year old Abdallah Ibrahim, 24, was charged with two counts of robbery armed with offensive weapons.
Police will also allege that he was involved in the armed robbery at Cherrybrook.
He remains before the courts and is due to appear at Liverpool Local Court on September 28.
Following further investigations three other men were arrested in relation to the robberies. Omar Kouchaji, 20, of Chester Hill was charged with 11 offences including: six counts of robbery armed with offensive weapon; robbery in company; two counts of attempt robbery in company; attempt robbery with offensive weapon, robbery in company cause wounding/grievous bodily harm.
His defence counsel from Abbas and Co Lawyers applied for bail at Bankstown Local Court today, submitting the prosecution case was based on circumstantial evidence and “not strong”.
Bail was refused and Mr Kouchaji is due to appear at Burwood Local Court on September 30.
Feras Jallad, 24, of Georges Hall, was charged with eight offences including; five counts of robbery armed with offensive weapon; attempt robbery in company; robbery in company cause wounding/grievous bodily harm and possess prohibited drug.
His barrister AJ Karim applied for his release on bail, but it was denied by Magistrate Glenn Walsh.
Mr Walsh said there were a number of “linkages” in the alleged joint criminal enterprise that made the Crown case “reasonably strong”.
Mr Jallad is also due to appear at Burwood Local Court on September 30.
Ayman Baltaji, 26, of Fairfield, was charged with eight offences including: two counts of robbery armed with offensive weapon; robbery in company cause wounding/grievous bodily harm; aggravated break and enter dwelling in company steal; dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception and three counts of possess prohibited drug.
He did not apply for bail and it was formally refused. The matter was adjourned to August 10 for an expected bail application.
Police will allege in court that all three men were also involved in several armed robberies across Sydney between July 2019 and June 2020.
It will be further alleged that Mr Baltaji made fraudulent claims under an NSW Government financial benefit scheme.