On Saturday 23rd April 2022 two people were arrested by detectives from the Echo Taskforce as part of an ongoing investigation into a large-scale Middle Eastern Organised Crime syndicate after police received information that members of the syndicate were actively planning to allegedly kill several people.
Warrants were executed at residential properties in Mickleham and Ringwood North.
The investigation began in October 2020, focussing on the access the syndicate has to firearms, large-scale drug importation and unexplained wealth.
A 27-year-old man has been released pending further enquiries. A 31-year-old man has been remanded in custody.
Investigations into a number of other threats linked to the syndicate also remain active and ongoing with detectives following up on several other avenues of enquiry.
To date, 27 arrests have been made by Echo Taskforce pertaining to the investigation into the syndicateās activities and more than 30 warrants have been executed which has led to the seizure of:
- More than $100,000 in assets being the proceeds of crime
- In excess of $2 million
- Various quantities of cannabis, GHB and prescription medications
- A $400,000 stolen Porsche
- 5.6kg of cocaine
- Approximately 6kg of heroin
- 25.5kg of amphetamine
Several other people being arrested by the Australian Federal Police as part of an investigation into drug trafficking this weekend are linked to the investigation.
Allegedly, a 33-year-old man is the head of the organised crime gang and has been charged with importing a large commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs as well as directing activities of a criminal organisation while in prison.
A 28-year-old Melbourne woman has been charged with two counts of importing a large commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Bob Hill from Victoria police said, āA threat against someoneās life is the most serious and significant threat that can be made. Once police received this information, we took a number of steps to disrupt this threat, which included the arrest of two men on Saturday. I also want to make it very clear that the investigation into the threats to kill linked to this organised crime syndicate is far from over ā we are continuing to follow up a number of other avenues of enquiry. I think it is critical that those linked to this syndicate understand this, including those within the prison system. Victoria Police is also working closely with other law enforcement agencies including the Australia Federal Police, to target further offending which has included the arrest of a number of other people as part of an investigation into drug trafficking.ā
āThis is a significant result, and both of these matters highlight the insidious way organised crime syndicates operate which have the potential to wreak enormous harm on Victorians.ā He said.
Investigations into the threats to kill and other activities of the syndicate remain ongoing, and Victoria Police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
