Hurstville woman assaulted, boat destroyed in alleged extortion
A southern Sydney woman was punched in the face and her luxury boat worth $150,000 destroyed by fire in an alleged campaign of ongoing extortion.
St George Shire Standard
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A woman was allegedly punched in the face, threatened and her luxury yacht destroyed by fire in an allegedly sustained campaign of extortion in Sydney’s south.
The boat, worth more than $150,000 was parked outside a home on Warwick St, Hurstville when it was completely destroyed by fire at 8pm on July 18.
Specialist forensic officers also found and seized a knife from the crime scene after Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the blaze.
Five days later a man attended the same home and punched the 48-year-old female resident in the face, causing her to fall to the ground.
Two weeks earlier on July 11 two men had also threatened the same woman and became aggressive when she refused to give them cash.
Police spoke to the men at the time before they were released and inquiries began.
Officers from St George Police Area Command and the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad have established Strike Force Anfimov to investigate the incidents, which they believe are targeted and linked.
Police have released composite images of a man, who was allegedly seen nearby at the time of the fire and the assault.
The man depicted is described as Mediterranean or Middle Eastern, in his mid-20s, about 175cm tall, of a medium build, with a dark beard and tattoos on his neck and both hands.
At the time of the assault, he was seen wearing dark glasses, a black and red facial covering with a pattern, and a dark-coloured hooded jumper.
He was seen at both incidents heading toward Bassett St, Hurstville.
Investigators have also released CCTV images of a vehicle, described as a 2018 model white Mercedes sedan with a dark sunroof.
As inquiries continue, strike force detectives are appealing for witnesses or anyone who knows anything about the incidents.
Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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