Robbery and Serious Crime Squad detectives have charged a man following an investigation into an alleged kidnapping in Sydney's north last year.
About 10.30am on Sunday 22 June 2025, a 40-year-old man attended Hornsby Police Station to report a kidnapping.
Officers attached to Kuring-Gai Police Area Command were told the man had travelled with a 30-year-old man, to a home on Potts Road in Ryde about 10am on Friday 20th June 2025.
Upon arrival, two unknown men approached the 40-year-old, allegedly assaulting and kidnapping him at gun point.
Police were told he was driven to an unknown address where he was assaulted by several unknown men, who demanded a ransom.
After some time, the man was returned to his vehicle in Hunters Hill about 7.15pm on Friday, informing police two days later.
Local police commenced an investigation before the matter was taken over by State Crime Command's Robbery and Serious Crime Squad, under Strike Force Hazelvale.
Following extensive inquiries, about 6.30am today (Tuesday 21 April 2026) strike force detectives – with assistance from Southwest Metropolitan Operational Support Group – executed search warrants in Prestons, Rooty Hill and Chester Hill.
During the search, detectives allegedly seized electronic devices and items relevant to the investigation.
A 30-year-old man was arrested in Prestons and taken to Liverpool Police Station, where he was charged with take/detain person in company with intent to ransom.
He was refused bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court today (Tuesday 21 April 2026).
Strike Force Hazelvale inquiries are continuing.
Anyone with information that may assist investigations into organised criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
