National Organised Crime Group director detective superintendent Greg Williams described Operation Trojan Shield as one of the most sophisticated law enforcement operations ever undertaken "in the global fight against organised crime". 'Andthese figures are likely to increaseover the coming days. Pictured: items seized by the AFP, More arrests are expected domestically and offshore under a coordinated global response connected to Operation Ironside. Several of the people arrested are linked to the Comancheros gang. As the plane finally stopped on the apron, the Lycoming O-540 engines idling away, he heard a knock on the door. The phone, which supposedly allowed encrypted communications safe from the eyes of the law, was actually a cunning trap laid for a who's who of organised crime. Police are making good progress dismantling his alleged empire of organised crime. Today's arrests include a leader of the Comancheros gang, who allegedly formed a partnership with a senior member of the Rebels gang in Christchurch, with both allegedly running drug distribution networks in their areas, police said in a statement. Australia's world-first Assistance and Access Act passed in 2018 allows intelligence agencies to require tech companies to hand over encrypted messages. For its encryption, it claimed to use 'OMEMO Double Ratchet Algorithm independently audited by Dutch security research group Radically Open Security'. Breaking news, sport, business and more. A luxury Ducati motorcycle, Audi sedan, Rolex watches, ammunition, bullet-proof vests, firearms and even memorabilia from the 1972 cult classic The Godfather was seized from a number of properties. A further 10 gang members and their associates have also been arrested in relation to their alleged roles in the network, which saw drugs and cash transported between the two cities, police said in a statement. Kylie Stevens For Daily Mail Australia Operation Hoffman, a sting designed by Australia's most secretive and powerful law enforcement agency, the Australian Crime Commission, would topple a billion-dollar empire extending across two continents and send a drug lord into hiding. A 10-month investigation targeting an alleged bikie network in Brisbane connected to the notorious Comanchero gang has led to the arrest of 42 people on nearly 430 charges and the seizure of nearly $2m in drugs, cash and property. He invested his proceeds of crime in hotel and resort developments while living a lavish lifestyle that extended to flashy cars and private yachts. The huge drug bust was uncovered when detectives from the drug and firearms squad pulled over a rented Winnebago near Kellerberrin on April 16. Police said they had seized drugs some of which had been packaged ready for sale along with more than $200,000 in cash and a shotgun. At the time, police seized 3kg of MDMA powder, 3kg of ephedrine, quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine and other drugs. Senior investigators allege '100 per cent' of telephone conversations intercepted on the devices were all business and in relation to criminal activity. About five kilograms of the drug was found hidden in a car being transported to Perth from Sydney, while a search of 13 premises in Perth overnight turned up a further 210g. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on January 20. Drug kingpin and Comancheros bikie associate Hakan Ayik has spent the last decade on the run from Australian . But the way journalism is funded is changing and we need your help to sustain local newsrooms. New Zealand Police began working with the FBI on the operation in January 2020 to monitor the communications of platform users here in New Zealand. Its buyer, a former 747 Qantas pilot and mining, military and medical industries surplus trader, planned to donate it to a Jandakot-based tertiary education centre to train prospective engineers in disassembling aeroplanes. In 2018, as part of Operation Nova, police detectives from the National Organised Crime Group covertly filmed a drug deal involving the Comancheros motorcycle gang. What did do was send encrypted messages, photos and videos, using a foreign SIM card to apparently avoid Australian data snooping laws. A police investigation into the bust later uncovered more than 100 messages and calls between Micalizzi and two syndicate figures named 'Oz' and 'Bowa', a fake NSW driver's licence, three mobile numbers registered under false names and $9000 in cash. Gang expert - Canterbury University criminal justice director Jared Gilbert - said many organised criminals would be looking over their shoulders following the major police bust. A 47-year-old Mackenzie man charged with 11 offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs - serious organised crime, three counts of supplying dangerous drug and weapon offences. From Whyalla they travelled to Forrest, a popular refuelling stop more than 1100km east of Perth, near the South Australian border. Police have charged 224 alleged offenders with 525 charges, shut down six clandestine laboratories and acted on 21 threats to kill, including saving a family of five. 'And it isour intention that they are lookingover their shoulder, because our law enforcement agencies and thepartnerships we have around theworld are bearing down upon them,' he said. They sat back and secretly intercepted millions of messages sent as unsuspecting associates openly stated their plans including plots to kill, importing drugs and identifying those who could help them with their criminal enterprises. Highs-powered rifles were among the weapons seized. It follows the first phase of Operation Cincinnati in October when 26 people were arrested and kilos of drugs was seized, along with multiple firearms and more than $10 million in assets. 'Essentially, they have handcuffed each other by endorsing and trusting AN0M and openly communicating on it not knowing we were watching the entire time.'. It was mostly unknown clients like the one bound for Jandakot who had booked the trips. Now living in Turkey, he was tricked into distributing messages to his criminal associates around the world via encrypted communications app AN0M, unaware it was being run by FBI special agents. Police have arrested 12 people, including senior members of the Comancheros and Rebels gangs, as part of an operation targeting the drug trade. 'Enforce your right to privacy': This is how the ANoM website advertised its product - with users not realising that law enforcement officials could read each and every message. An officer who identified himself as Detective Roy Morrish was standing at the forefront of the unit, motioning officers to unzip the large sports bag Micalizzi had loaded onto the cargo hold 15 hours prior. They were unaware it was run by FBI agents and the Australian Federal Police who could read their every word. A police investigation would later reveal Micalizzi was a drug runner for the Comancheros, a middleman in an international drug syndicate led by Turkish-Australian gym junkie Hakan Ayik. Senior members of the Comancheros in Waikato, Waikato Mongrel Mob and the Head Hunters were among those arrested. The Comancheros are regarded as one of the most violent motorcycle gangs in Australia. His Dutch wife,hair transplant business owner Fleur Messelink publicly flaunted the couple's elaborate lifestyle on Instagram until this week. Police and Customs managed to intercept more than 600kg of methamphetamine at Auckland Airport. Get the news you want delivered straight to your inbox so you never miss a headline. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Crooks could buy a six month subscription to use the app - the funds raised unknowingly redirected to the police. A 37-year-old Holland Park West man charged with 14 offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs - serious organised crime and one count of trafficking in dangerous drugs. The app gained currency in the underworld after being promoted by drug kingpins such as Australia's most wanted man,Hakan Ayik, after first being distributed by police informants. READ MORE: * Duo jailed after Customs' largest-ever seizure of methamphetamine * Ninety Mile beach meth bust: Police ID kingpins behind massive drug haul * Ninety Mile Beach meth importing trial: Guilty verdicts for both accused. Throughout the covert operation, detectives allegedly uncovered murder plots, gun distribution, and mass drug trafficking, with mafia bosses, bikies, and reality TV stars arrested and charged. The police sting has 'significantly impacted' the Comancheros and their business model as alleged club figures Mark Buddle and alleged drug kingpin Hakan Ayik remain on the run from authorities overseas. New details about a massive WA drug bust which snared former Comanchero bikie Mohammed Oueida can be revealed for the first time, including how one of the three alleged drug smugglers fainted when first arrested by police. Watch 7NEWS nightly at 6pm and weekdays at 11:30am and 4pm on Channel 7 and 7plus.#MarkBuddle #Ourimbah #Kulnura #7NEWS Operation Trojan Shield saw the FBI create a closed encrypted company, called Anom, to fill this void, allowing investigators to eavesdrop on criminal communications about drug trafficking and money laundering activities across the globe. Police watched in real time as alleged crooks spilled their secrets to one another on their own app. New Zealand authorities have also arrested 35 people for alleged drug dealing and money laundering, seizing some $NZ3.7 million ($A3.4 million) in assets. New Zealand Police say they have dealt a "huge blow" to organised crime after a major trans-national sting resulted in 35 arrests and $3.7 million in assets seized. READ MORE: * 20,000 ecstasy pills and Ferrari seized in major police bust in Auckland. , started in 2018 with a fake encrypted communication app developed in partnership with the FBI. By Alana Mazzoni and Daniel Piotrowski and Kylie Stevens For Daily Mail Australia, Published: 01:08 GMT, 8 June 2021 | Updated: 16:10 GMT, 8 June 2021. Five unexpected signs in your 20s and 30s you're at risk of developing heart disease later in life. "WA police," a robust voice said firmly from the other side of the metal. Mr Kershaw said detectives have arrested thealleged 'King makers' behind the alleged crimes, prevented mass shootings insuburbs and 'frustrated serious and organised crime by seizing theirill-gotten wealth'. Nationwide News Pty Ltd 2023. Australia's biggest ever police bust used encrypted app to intercept messages Alleged bikies and associates make up a third of 303 Operation Ironside arrests Hardest hit gang were the Comancheros . Because with the pandemic situation constantly changing, its easy for misinformation and rumours to take hold. An anonymous blogger known only as 'canyouguess67' posted an article warning users to keep off ANOM for their 'own safety', Daily Mail Australia can reveal. The company was apparently based in famously neutral Switzerland and boasted of 'military grade encrypt and sanitise'. He is due to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on December 12. Where 16 people charged and identified as part of Operation Tango Citron live An alleged drug syndicate believed to have links to a notorious bikie gang was dismantled by police in a massive drug bust. Inside the vehicle was a man and a woman and allegedly more than 30kg of deadly methylamphetamine. Faulkhead was arrested with five other men in January 2014 after large-scale drug raids in the Mildura region. Get exclusive discounts on movie tickets, dining and popular attractions. "Turn the engine off and get out of the aircraft.". A scuffed copy of the Koran. West Australian Newspapers Limited 2023. More than 800 suspected criminals have been arrested worldwide after being tricked into using an FBI-run encrypted messaging app, officials say. Desperate drivers are taking to social media to buy and sell demerit points, risking eye-wateringly expensive fines in the process. Wednesdays search warrants marked the second termination phase of Operation Cincinnati, which saw 26 people arrested and kilos of drugs, multiple firearms and more than $10 million in assets seized in October. Mildura Comancheros boss Joshua Faulkhead, 39, pleaded guilty to charges related to trafficking of the drugs ice, cocaine and ecstasy, as well as blackmail and causing injury. Two shotguns and ammunition were also found. The Wednesday arrests include a leader of the Comancheros who allegedly formed a partnership with a senior member of the Rebels in Christchurch. It was a 30-plus degree summer day and, although a cyclone was gravitating towards Western Australia's northern coast, not a gust of wind was blowing at the strip. Senior members of the Comancheros gang purchased a catamaran and allegedly planned to rendezvous at sea with a "mothership" bringing large shipments of illicit drugs into New Zealand. Remote landing strips were and still are a hole in Australia's national security network, too isolated and remote to be monitored effectively. Video / Leon Menzies. It was a sweet deal for somebody living off the generosity of friends and family. Senior leaders of the Comancheros and Rebels gangs have been arrested and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash seized following a raft of armed police raids across Auckland and Christchurch. Inside the 'Aussie cartel': How nine 'baddest of the bad' How bikie drug gangs are 'infiltrating' airports and even Ukraine soldiers shoot down enemy drones with drones of their own, Wheel of Fortune contestant answers food puzzle wrong, Pavement where disabled woman gestured at cyclist before fatal crash, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' The Australian Federal Police announced on Tuesday that it had seized 3.7 tonnes of drugs, 104 weapons and almost $45million in cash as part of the operation - which was three years in the making. At least one major gang hit back at police yesterday - labelling the operation a smear campaign. 3 Dec, . Pilots wondered why it sat there, rusting, and told tall stories about where it came from. As officers searched the black sports bag, they uncovered nearly $8 million worth of drugs. Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. An FBI spokesperson said the operation highlighted how global law enforcement agencies could successfully combat transnational organised crime and drug trafficking, even against those who attempted to hide behind encrypted communication platforms. New Zealand's previous largest drug bust was in 2016, when 501kg of methamphetamine was seized in Northland, including 449kg. About five kilograms of the drug was found hidden in a car being transported to Perth from Sydney, while a search of 13 premises in Perth overnight turned up a further 210g. One of the operations - dubbed Operation Van - specifically targeted the transnational organised crime group linked to the Comancheros. NZ POLICE/Supplied. Please try again later. The next few months after the bust, investigators from the Australian Crime Commission infiltrated international money-laundering streams and exposed Ayik's drug empire. Officers from Strike Force . International drug syndicate Sinaloa cartel was helping Auckland gang Comancheros, police reveal It wasn't long until the Comanchero announced their arrival, as first revealed by the Herald. The arrests and seizures were part of Operation Baystone, which began after 2.7kg of methamphetamine was found in the Perth suburb of Stirling in December last year. Murdaugh is heckled as he leaves court, Missing hiker buried under snow forces arm out to wave to helicopter, Incredible footage of Ukrainian soldiers fighting Russians in Bakhmut, Fleet-footed cop chases an offender riding a scooter, Two Russian tanks annihilated with bombs by Ukrainian armed forces, Isabel Oakeshott clashes with Nick Robinson over Hancock texts, Dozens stuck in car park as staff refuses to open gate for woman, Insane moment river of rocks falls onto Malibu Canyon in CA. Manukau District Court documents seen by Stuff allege five men participated in an organised criminal group with the shared objective of obtaining material benefits from the possession of methamphetamine for supply. Now, a man has purchased the same Aztec Piper which brought the drugs to WA.Credit: As Bankstown pilot Jamieson Santos was preparing to land his twin-engined 1970s Piper Aztec at a busy airport on the outskirts of Perth a dozen grim-faced police officers were waiting on the hot tarmac. bikies, and reality TV stars arrested and charged. MDMA, cash and firearms were seized by police in October in Operation Cincinnati. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has seized approximately one million pills laced with fentanyl allegedly linked to the Sinaloa Cartel in what authorities say is the biggest bust for . Ukraine soldiers shoot down enemy drones with drones of their own, Wheel of Fortune contestant answers food puzzle wrong, Pavement where disabled woman gestured at cyclist before fatal crash, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' Revealed: The top 10 fastest-growing destinations for UK pensioners retiring overseas. Pasilika Naufahu is on trial for drug, money laundering and organised crime charges. It is being credited with catching underworld figures, mafia personalities and terror suspects planning not only major drug imports but cold blooded executions. The country's Federal Police released pictures of the wealth, firepower and even taste in gangster movies of those arrested during sweeping raids across the country, the U.S., Britain andwider Europe after the alleged criminals were covertly monitored for three years using an encrypted communication app called 'AN0M'. Were working to restore it. , updated The Comanchero Motorcycle Club New Zealand president feared he was about to be arrested eight months before a major police bust and also suspected police were bugging his phone, a jury has been told. The Comancheros purchased a catamaran to carry out the offshore marine rendezvous. A 46-year-old Mango Hill man charged with nine offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs - serious organised crime, two counts of supplying dangerous drugs and weapon offences. 'I have amessage for the criminals targetingAustralia and Australia's interests- the AFP will be relentless,' Mr Kershaw said. New Zealand Customs staff, Armed Offenders Squad members, Asset Recovery Unit and Police Dog Section staff assisted police with the searches. One man has also been charged with conspiring to import methamphetamine between January and March. You can make a contribution from as little as $1. But youknow, this isn't over. Globally, the operation involved at least 300 criminal networks, more than 45 languages, and at least 27 million encrypted messages. 10:26 am on 9 June 2021. Waikato Mongrel Mob's public relations liaison, Lou Hutchinson, took to Twitter to say: "Lol do you seriously believe all the bullsh*t spin about the Waikato Mongrel Mob Kingdom [sic] this is a total smear campaign driven by the NZ Police, politicians and mainstream media! That seizure was also allegedly tied to the Comancheros. The alleged offenders are linked to the Australian-based Italian mafia - known as the Ndrangheta - as well as outlaw motorcycle gangs, Asian crime syndicates and Albanian organised crime figures. If you value facts and being well-informed, please consider supporting Stuff. WEST Australian police have arrested the WA president of the Comanchero bikie gang and three associates after seizing 5.2kg of methamphetamine in a joint operation with NSW police. The devices organically circulated and grew in popularity among criminals, who were confident of the legitimacy of the app because high-profile organised crime figures vouched for its integrity. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Kong, who was also allegedly in possession of $2,030 cash and a revolver, was granted bail and will appear in court on June 28. White is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on January 20, while his co-accused, also alleged members of the Comancheros gang, have been charged with varying other offences. Nine other men conjointly charged with trafficking include: Police are hunting for the vehicle involved in a hit and run incident that left an 18-year-old in a critical condition. Alleged crooks even paid six-monthly subscription fees to the police - the money only further reinforcing law enforcement methods. A 46-year-old Bracken Ridge man charged with 12 offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs - serious organised crime, four counts of possessing dangerous drugs, two counts of possessing property used in the commission of a crime, and once count of possessing property obtained from trafficking. Bi was released on $400,000 bail to reappear on March 26. The bust exposed new details about how one of Australia's most wanted fugitives gave police extensive access to the world's criminal underworld, Among the items seized by the AFP was memorabilia from the 1972 cult classic The Godfather, Australia's biggest ever police bust has seen 3.77 tonnes of drugs, $45 million in cash, guns, luxury cars, motorcycles and watches pictured) seized, Ninja Warrior 2017 contestant Sopiea Kong was among those arrested. CULVER CITY, Calif. (KABC) -- Authorities made one of the largest drug busts in Los Angeles County history recently, seizing meth and cocaine with a street value of nearly $60 million, officials say. The Cannon Hill man was charged with six offences including two counts of trafficking, one count of carrying a weapon in public and one count of supplying drugs. New Zealand investigators monitored thousands of messages made on 57 encrypted criminal devices. A 33-year-old Tarragindi man charged with 25 offences including three counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs - serious organised crime, eight counts of supplying dangerous drugs and weapon offences. The asset recovery unit also restrained three properties, worth a total of $5.7m, meaning they cannot be sold. Watch and listen to a variety of WA true crime series, video channels and podcasts with commentary on news, politics and current affairs. The 1970s Aztec Piper no longer sits at Jandakot Airport. The near year-long operation came to a climax on Sunday and Monday when detectives swarmed on multiple properties across Broadbeach Waters, Gaven, Tamborine, Rochdale, Steiglitz, Cleveland, Holland Park, Capalaba, Caboolture, Mount Nathan and Rockhampton. Only five per cent of encrypted messages sent by criminals in Australia use the Anom platform - but Mr Morrison said suspects will now be living in fear ahead of further sting operations. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook More charges are expected to be laid as Australian Federal Police work their way through the 25 million messages intercepted by the encrypted app. The gang members are alleged to have worked with offshore criminal entities to import large quantities of methamphetamine and MDMA which was distributed across New Zealand. He's pictured with wife Fleur Messelink on their wedding day, Hakan Ayik (pictured) has been on the run from Australian authorities since 2010. 'He's (Ayik) essentially leveraged his position of trust in the underworld to push this platform and that's what generated its success. 'We allege they've beentrafficking illicit drugs intoAustralia at an industrial scale. (Supplied) He has since been spotted in Cyprus, Spain and Dubai, with Australian authorities suspecting he is the mastermind behind a massive drug lab in India capable of exporting tonnes of methamphetamine around the world. 'The operation puts Australia at the forefront of the fight against criminals who peddle in human misery and ultimately, it will keep our communities and Australians safe,' he said on Tuesday. But you know, this isn't over. 50kg of cocaine seized in 10-month police probe, suspected Colombian drug ring . Former Bachelorette star Samuel Minkin, who appeared on Becky and Elly Miles' season of the dating show, was charged with possessing a large commercial quantity of cannabis after police stopped a van in Byron Bay last month. This is a high-value criminal sponsoring a criminal communications system,' Australian Federal Police Superintendent Jared Taggart told News Corp papers. Ninja Warrior 2017 contestant Sopiea Kong was among those arrested. "It must have been then," the now-49-year-old said. Had this shipment been distributed across New Zealand it would have caused immense harm to the vulnerable communities these criminal groups were preying upon.. It was the biggest drug bust in WA history and a day law enforcement officers would remember for years to come. Never seen anything like it': Medics and care workers hits back at Matt Hancock by revealing Rishi Sunak told Matt Hancock that Dominic Cummings' time in Downing Street was 'a nightmare', new WhatsApp Madonna's Skid Row brother: For years the superstar, 64, was accused of shunning him. China increases military spending in face of 'escalating' threats, Treaty ahoy! In October, 20,000 ecstasy pills known as pink Porsche, luxury vehicles, properties and illegal firearms were seized through Operation Cincinnati. The fact they were duped into thinking a network was secure would send a message to others, he said. Coster said he was proud of his police staff for the work they do to keep communities safe. This . He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on December 6. Officers from Strike Force Garlow found $3 million worth of methylamphetamine at a dilapidated drug lab on a rural property in Kulnura and arrested 2 men aged 48 and 35 who were allegedly making the drug ice and dealing in the proceeds of crime.Police also seized methylamphetamine oil, more than 20kg of precursor chemicals, drug manufacturing equipment and $220,000 in cash.It's understood the drugs were being made under an agreement between the Nomads and Comancheros. Australia's biggest ever police bust has seen not only seen the arrests of the Who's Who of the globalcriminal underworld, but yielded an extraordinary haul of 3.77 tonnes of drugs, $45 million in cash, guns, luxury cars, motorbikes and watches. Supt Migro said the investigation was ongoing. Samuel Minkin, 28, appeared in court last week after allegedly being busted by cops, The AFP is also likely to seek extradition requests of a number of persons of interest living overseas. Wed, 16 June 2021 2:00AM He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on Tuesday. It could only send messages to another device that had the organised crime app. For years, it sat on the tarmac at a general airport 20 kilometres south of Perth. 'STAY AWAY FROM ANOM IF YOU VALUE YOUR PRIVACY AND SAFETY,' the blogger wrote in an article, which has since been pulled down. 'The cash that we've seized, which they now owe debts on, the drugs that have been seized which they now owe debts on,' Superintendent McArthur said. We want to reduce the harm these gangs are causing in our communities, he said. The hacker added that law enforcement agencies had been tipped off. This is a long way from over.'. 'I can't comment on what's happening overseas at the moment, but I think I could probably assure everyone that the AFP and its partners are definitely exploiting the Ironside information, and the networks that we've identified, and we're actively targeting some of these Comanchero members offshore,' Superintendent McArthur said. Stuffs ethical reporting is built on accuracy, fairness and balance. Insane Throttle Support Club Become a memberNow, Insane Throttle/Motorcycle Madhouse Radio YouTube and AudioDisclaimer, Meet the Insane Throttle Contributing Columnist James Hollywood Macecari, Motorcycle Clubs Riding Clubs and Associations Near Me Index &Listings, Our Policies here at Insane Throttle Publications. ", Witnesses sought following assault, Hastings"Police are seeking witnesses to an assault, International police operation: How the gangs were brought to their knees - NZ Herald. "It takes years to build these networks. 'It's like having The Rock (Dwayne Johnson) sponsoring your gym. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on January 20. The twin-engine plane, which miraculously survived a cyclone in Darwin in 1974, had been used to operate a freight charter service in Central Queensland and sight-seeing tours over the Great Barrier Reef until 1990. But during his trial in the WA District Court, Judge Christopher Stevenson said the duo had played a "dangerous game of Russian Roulette" trying to incriminate each other, "the last refuge of a desperate man to avoid any criminal liability".
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