Muscle for hire gang allegedly behind shootings, home invasions and kidnappings in Sydney’s southwest

Detectives have charged three men for allegedly operating as a ‘freelance gang’ hired to carry out shootings, home invasions, and kidnappings across southwest Sydney.

Detectives have charged three men for allegedly operating as a ‘freelance gang’ hired to carry out shootings, home invasions, and kidnappings across southwest Sydney.

Police launched Strike Force Currambene in July to investigate organised criminal acts including shootings, home invasions, kidnapping and drug supply allegedly being carried out by a group that was hired by and operating on behalf of organised criminal networks.

These incidents include an alleged public shooting at Austral in July and a home invasion with kidnapping at Edmondson Park in August.

Following investigations, strike force detectives and Raptor Squad officers launched coordinated dawn raids just after 6am on Wednesday, executing search warrants at homes in Fairfield West, Sadlier, Lakemba, Mt Druitt, and St Clair.

Officers uncovered ketamine, electronic devices, knives and other weapons along with cash and items allegedly stolen during the home invasion and kidnapping.

A knife seized by officers. Picture: NSW Police

Three men – two 20-year-old men from Fairfield West and Mt Druitt and an 18-year-old man from Lakemba – were arrested and taken back to Fairfield Police Station, Campsie Police Station and Mt Druitt Police Station.

Three men were charged with various serious offences with the Fairfield West man facing charges including armed break and enter, kidnapping, and directing criminal group activities.

Police found thousands of dollars in cash during the raids. Picture: NSW Police

The 'freelance gang' was hired for violent crimes in southwest Sydney. Picture: NSW Police

The Lakemba man was charged with drug-related offences and handling proceeds of crime and the Mt Druitt man was charged with concealing a serious offence and participating in criminal group activities.

All three were refused bail to appear before court yesterday with the Fairfield West man appearing before Fairfield Local Court, the Lakemba man appearing before Bankstown Local Court and the Mt Druitt man appearing before Mt Druitt Local Court.

Ketamine uncovered during the raids. Picture: NSW Police

Three men were charged during the blitz. Picture: NSW Police

Detectives will allege in court the Fairfield West man led the gang and accepted tasks from organised crime networks including public place shootings and kidnappings.

Detective Superintendent Jason Box, Criminal Groups Squad Commander, said police will continue to investigate these groups committing these serious acts of violence.

He said that police would allege “The dismantling of this group is a major blow to organised crime in this state and a relief for the people of southwest Sydney.

“No one should think they can commit these serious offences, such as shooting and kidnapping and avoid any consequences for their actions”.

“We will continue to target these gangs, syndicates and groups and hold them accountable for these dangerous violent acts”. Det Supt Box said.

Investigations under Strike Force Currambene will continue.

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