Robbery & Serious Crime Squad detectives have charged a fourth man following an investigation into an alleged violent kidnapping last year, under Strike Force Cubellas.
Detectives were told between 4.30pm and 6.30pm on Saturday 23 November 2024, a 31-year-old stopped his vehicle in Granville to make a call when he was approached by three unknown males armed with bats.
The driver of the car was allegedly bound with cable ties before he was driven from the scene with the unknown males.
Police understand the man was taken to a property in St Marys where he was allegedly assaulted and tortured.
The man's brother allegedly paid a demanded ransom; but despite the ransom being paid, the man was not released, and additional ransom was demanded.
About 5.45am on Sunday 24 November 2024, the unknown men arranged to meet the victim's brother in Panania to receive the additional ransom payment, during which time an altercation took place.
The 31-year-old was able to escape, and officers attached to Bankstown Police Area Command were called to the scene.
The man was taken to hospital where he was treated for his injuries including a black eye, cuts to his head and a deep wound to his left hand.
Following the incident, detectives attached to State Crime Command's Robbery and Serious Crime Squad commenced Strike Force Cubellas to investigate the alleged kidnapping.
Three men have been charged over the incident. They remain before the courts.
Following further investigations, detectives – in a joint operation with officers attached to State Crime Command's Raptor Squad - arrested a 26-year-old man in Austral about 7.15pm last night (Tuesday 2 September 2025).
A search warrant was subsequently executed at a house on Ulm Street, Ermington.
He was taken to Liverpool Police Station, where he was charged with seven offences:
- Two counts of knowingly direct activities of criminal group
- Take/detain person in company with intent to ransom
- Wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
- Supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis
- Supply prohibited drug more than indictable and less than commercial quantity
- Supply prohibited drug more than or equal to commercial quantity
He was refused bail to appear before Liverpool Local Court today (Wednesday 3 September 2025).
Investigations under Strike Force Cubellas are ongoing.
