Strathfield family targeted in alleged attempted extortion

Two men allegedly threatened the wife of a wealthy businessman and demanded she had over a six-figure sum at their home in Sydney’s inner west.

CCTV shows a white 2012 Range Rover Evoque which has a partial registration of CJS which police say was used by the men involved in the alleged attempted extortion. Picture: NSW Police

Exclusive: Two men allegedly turned up to the home of a wealthy Sydney businessman and demanded a six-figure sum from his wife.

Police have arrested one of the men allegedly responsible for the attempted shakedown and have now released an artist’s impression the second man they want to question.

The horrifying incident occurred on Chalmers Rd at Strathfield when a woman, who was home with her children, answered the door to find two men standing there.

Police have released this image of a man they wish to speak to over the alleged attempted extortion of a family in Sydney’s inner west in April. Picture: NSW Police

NSW Police allege the men had intended to target a businessman who lived at the home, but when he was out they instead threatened the woman with violence if she did not hand over the large amount of money.

The next day the woman’s businessman husband allegedly received two threatening calls in which demands were again made for cash.

Detectives working on the case as part of Strike Force Belarada arrested and charged Ilsoni Vuadreu, 31, on May 3 and he was charged with demand property by force in company.

Police said a second man remains on the run.

“I’d describe [these allegations] as cowardly, very cowardly,” Auburn Crime Manager Det Insp Evans said.

This CCTV footage shows the man police wish to speak to getting out and walking around the vehicle at the same time an alleged threatening phone call was being made to the businessman. Picture: NSW Police

“But to actually go to someone’s home and threaten a wife … with violence to obtain some kind of financial advantage … [these allegations] should be pretty emotive for the community.

“In its most simplistic terms, a person’s home is meant to be a safe haven we’ll allege this family were left extremely frightened.”

The second man police are hunting is described as being of Pacific Islander or Maori heritage, being about 170cm tall and having a thin build, with short black hair.

Police also hope CCTV of two vehicles may assist the public in recognising the man.

The first shows a white 2012 Range Rover Evoque which has a partial NSW registration of CJS.

In the video the person of interest can be seen stepping out of the car for a few seconds before getting back behind the wheel. It is during this time police allege one of the threatening phone calls was made.

The second lot of footage shows a red Toyota Corolla making a U-turn in the Strathfield area at the time of the incident.

Det Insp Evans said the family and men were not known to each other, but that police do believe the attack was targeted.

“We’re hoping the community can assist.”