Vince Santoro: Construction figure’s company ‘hid bikie links’

The whereabouts of construction identity Vince Santoro has remained a mystery since he disappeared in 2014, allegedly with debts running into the millions. Sensational claims have now been made in court that his firm was linked to outlaw bikie gangs.

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An insurance company has claimed a failed construction firm linked to missing building identity Vince Santoro deliberately hid the fact it was doing business with bikie gangs and known criminals before lodging a claim for stolen machinery.

Documents filed in the Supreme Court last week reveal allegations Elite Plant Hire (EPH), whose sole director is Mr Santoro’s wife Renee, failed to disclose it was working with the Hells Angels, Comancheros, Notorious and other known bikie gangs.

Missing building identity Vince Santoro.

Alex Taouil was named as one of the criminal associates who has business with EHP.

Insurers allege the company had contracts for “services and labour” with a number of notorious criminals who were extorting Mr Santoro and the firm.

The documents filed by MECON Winsure Insurance Group also claim well-known standover man Alex “Little Al” Taouil and the Telopea Street Boys were among Sydney’s underworld figures linked to the Santoro family and the business.

Taouil died after a sinus operation performed by a celebrity surgeon in 2018.

The court action stems from sensational scenes in February 2014 where bikies turned up to construction sites linked to the Santoros across Sydney and began loading machinery onto trucks in a bid to reclaim debts.

Reports at the time detail how mundane items such as microwaves were not spared in the grab.

EPH lodged a subsequent insurance claim which was rejected.

Jason Tang (left) and Ozem Kassem lodged the insurance claim

after taking over as liquidators when the machinery was stolen by bikies.

The company’s liquidators Jason Tang and Ozem Kassem then lodged court action believing the company was entitled under its insurance policy.

It was at the following Supreme Court hearing that MECON Winsure Insurance Group aired allegations the company hid criminal links with bikie gangs.

The court will make a ruling in May.

Vince Santoro has been missing for six years and MECON told the Supreme Court they believe he is in hiding as part of the police witness protection program.

Mr Santoro, a once prominent figure in Sydney’s construction industry, was one of the people to be paid out if the claim was approved.

There has been speculation over the years that Mr Santoro was in hiding and in the protection of police, which has never been confirmed.

He is believed to have vanished owing millions in debts to contractors, with previous reports suggesting he was last seen fishing in Far North Queensland.

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