Davide Calava seeks bail after arrest in Haouchar network crackdown

The way police cracked players in an alleged international crime network headed by underworld kingpin Bilal Haouchar has been unveiled in court, as an alleged drug dealer sought bail.

Police planted fake customers for drug supplies and infiltrated encrypted group chats in their efforts to topple an alleged international crime network headed by underworld kingpin Bilal Haouchar, a court has heard.

Under Strike Force Tromperie, police have arrested 28 people as part of a major investigation into what they say is one of the most powerful organised crime networks in Australian history.

In November, Deputy Commissioner David Hudson said police would allege the Haouchar network had “tentacles” in all levels of organised crime and controlled the illicit drug trade.

Among those arrested was Davide Calava, 36, over allegations he had supplied three ounces of MDMA to a fake customer acting for police for $20,000 on June 26, 2023 in Cammeray.

Calava has been behind bars on remand since his arrest, charged with commercial drug supply and participating in a criminal group over his alleged association with the Haouchar network.

Solicitor Tal Gilead applied for Calava’s bail before Magistrate Jayeann Carney at Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday.

Bilal Haouchar in 2013.

“With respect to the strength of the case, the fact sheet makes basically no mention of evidence relied upon to prove the charges beside merely stating he’s committed a drug supply,” Mr Gilead told the court.

“It’s not clear how they were able to identify the accused other than a light brown tartan hat which was seized from his home – it was six months after this alleged supply.”

A document of allegations against Calava states he, Luke Towler, 43, and Lyndon Ballard, 35, variously participated in separate supplies to customers planted by police between April and September last year.

“Even if identity can be proven, there is no evidence of the accused’s knowledge of what was being supplied,” Mr Gilead told the court.

“The exchange was (allegedly) arranged by Mr Towler and my client had no participation in the discussion on (encrypted app) Threema.”

Deputy Commissioner David Hudson (left) and Detective Superintendent Peter Faux spoke to media after the initial Strike Force Tromperie arrests. Picture: David Swift

Police prosecutor Sgt White opposed bail, stating police had engaged in substantial surveillance throughout the Haouchar network crackdown.

“(If convicted on these charges), we say the (imprisonment) threshold would certainly be crossed,” Sgt White said.

“The supply offence has a maximum penalty of 20 years – the defendant in our opinion will be facing a term of imprisonment that will exceed the time on remand prior to trial.”

The court had heard Calava is in treatment for opioid addiction and could live effectively under house arrest at a remote Central Coast property with his partner if granted bail.

Ms Carney noted police had found a “light brown tartan trucker hat” allegedly linked to the drug supply, mobile phones, $1000 cash, and trafficable quantities of MDMA and cocaine at Calava’s Crows Nest address when he was arrested.

“I don’t accept the case is as weak as portrayed by the defence,” Ms Carney said.

“The accused, although entitled to the presumption of innocence, is accused of coming into possession of a prohibited drug, MDMA, in exchange for $20,000 in the context of having a role in a criminal group.”

Items seized by police throughout a number of search warrants under Strike Force Tromperie,

Ms Carney agreed Calava posed a risk of failing to appear in court and committing further serious offences.

“Having regard to the seriousness of the offence, the role the accused is said to have played as part of a criminal group, I would find upon these two bail concerns that there will be an unacceptable risk,” Ms Carney concluded.

Bail was refused and Calava will next face court for a brief status mention on March 19.

Police allege the Haouchar network is linked to the movement of more than $1 billion in firearm, drug, tobacco and money laundering offences.

Haouchar, 37, was also arrested in Lebanon in respect of an outstanding warrant pertaining to alleged drug offences.

Throughout the investigation, police have seized 25 firearms, more than 60 encrypted messaging devices, almost $1.5 million in cash, $2 million in cryptocurrency, a Lamborghini, more than $3 million in luxury watches, equipment consistent with drug manufacturing, and two tones of prohibited and precursor drugs with a street value of more than $130 million.