Three men charged over alleged kidnapping and ransom plot in Sydney’s west

Three men have been charged over an alleged kidnapping where the trio filmed themselves attempting to hack through the victim’s hand over ransom demands.

Police arrested a 19-year-old in Leichhardt over the alleged kidnapping.

Three men have been charged over an alleged kidnapping where they filmed themselves attempting to hack through the victims hand over ransom demands.

Detectives were told that a 31-year-old was kidnapped in Granville when he stopped his vehicle to make a call on November 23.

He was allegedly approached by three unknown men armed with bats before being bound with cable ties and driven from the scene to a property in St Marys, where he was allegedly assaulted and tortured.

During this period, the trio allegedly filmed themselves sawing through the man's hand between his thumb and index finger, which left him with a “deep wound” to his left palm.

The victim’s brother allegedly paid a ransom for his release, under $10,000.

However the man was allegedly not released and continued to be tortured.

A 19-year-old was arrested in Leichhardt following police raids.

A weapon found following the police raids at Leichhardt.

Police will allege the men targeted and kidnapped the 31-year-old for financial gain.

The brother arranged to meet with the trio in Panania the morning after the alleged kidnapping to pay an additional ransom, however, an altercation took place which led to the 31-year-old escaping.

Police were called to the scene and the man was taken to hospital where he was treated for his injuries including a black eye, cuts to his head and a deep wound to his left hand.

The trio allegedly filmed themselves sawing through the man’s hand.

Following inquiries, on Wednesday, strike force detectives executed a search warrant in Leichhardt where they arrested a 19-year-old man.

He was taken to Newtown Police Station and charged with aggravated assault with intent to take or drive motor vehicle – armed with weapon, detain a person with intent to ransom, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, three counts of possession, prescribed restricted substance and fail to comply digital evidence.

He was refused bail and appeared in Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday.

Prohibited drugs found following the arrest.

At the same time, strike force detectives executed another search warrant in Kogarah, where they arrested a 25-year-old man.

He was taken to Hurstville Police Station and charged with aggravated assault with intent to take or drive a motor vehicle – armed with a weapon and detain a person with intent to ransom occasion.

He was refused bail to appear in Sutherland Local Court on Thursday.

Strike forces detectives also executed a search warrant in Prestons where they arrested a 19-year-old man and charged him with aggravated assault with intent to take a motor vehicle -armed with weapon, detain a person with intent to ransom and possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit.

He was refused bail and appeared at Liverpool Local Court yesterday.