A major criminal syndicate accused of using a secret encrypted mobile application to coordinate large-scale drug importation and fabricate a terrorism plot has been dismantled as part of the Australian Federal Police (AFP)-led Operation Kraken.
The syndicate allegedly aimed to pervert the course of justice by faking a terrorist conspiracy involving high-powered weapons.
Six men were arrested on 17 September 2024 and charged with a total of 43 offences following a joint investigation by the AFP and NSW Police.
The group allegedly communicated using an encrypted mobile app to organise drug importations and plot the fake terrorism scheme between March and April 2024.
According to the AFP, a 31-year-old man from North Rocks played a key role in the syndicate, conspiring to create a fictitious terrorist plot involving machine guns, bombs, rocket launchers, and terrorist insignia. This plot was allegedly intended to manipulate authorities into dropping charges against an individual in an unrelated criminal case.
In addition to the fake plot, the AFP alleges the man attempted to smuggle 42kg of cocaine into Sydney, hidden in refrigerated shipping containers. Australian Border Force (ABF) officers, acting on AFP intelligence, intercepted the shipment on 3 April 2024, uncovering 42 packages of cocaine.
The syndicate is further accused of trafficking various illegal drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, cannabis, and MDMA. Runners were allegedly used to transport drugs from Sydney to Inverell, and cash from drug sales was sent back to Sydney.
On 5 September 2024, AFP and NSW Police conducted simultaneous raids across multiple suburbs, including North Rocks, Regents Park, Hassall Grove, Kellyville, Kellyville Ridge, Quakers Hill, and Inverell. Six encrypted devices, 50g of cocaine, and $19,785 in cash were seized during the searches.
Charges Filed
The 31-year-old North Rocks man faces numerous charges, including:
- Conspiring to pervert the course of justice;
- Attempting to import a commercial quantity of drugs;
- Trafficking and conspiring to traffic a commercial quantity of drugs;
- Dealing with the proceeds of crime exceeding $100,000;
- Directing a criminal organisation; and
- Possessing an encrypted communication device for criminal purposes.
He appeared in Parramatta Local Court on 17 September 2024, where he was refused bail and is set to reappear on 26 September 2024.
Other men charged include:
- A 27-year-old man from Regents Park: Facing charges related to drug trafficking, conspiracy, dealing with the proceeds of crime, and directing a criminal organisation. He is due to appear in Parramatta Local Court on 18 September 2024.
- A 26-year-old man from Hassall Grove: Charged with drug trafficking, conspiracy, aggravated entry, and benefiting a criminal organisation. He is due to appear in Blacktown Local Court on 18 September 2024.
- A 25-year-old man from Kellyville: Facing charges for drug trafficking, conspiracy, and perverting the course of justice. He is set to appear in Parramatta Local Court on 18 September 2024.
- A 23-year-old man from Quakers Hill: Charged with trafficking drugs, conspiracy, and aggravated entry, among other offences. He is expected to appear in Blacktown Local Court on 18 September 2024.
- A 26-year-old man from Kellyville Ridge: Facing charges for drug trafficking and benefiting a criminal organisation. He will also appear in Blacktown Local Court on 18 September 2024.
Operation Kraken marks another significant victory in Australia’s ongoing fight against organised crime and illicit drug trafficking, with the AFP and NSW Police committed to dismantling syndicates that threaten the safety and security of the community.
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