Detectives investigating the activities of an alleged $1.2 million international organised theft syndicate have charged a ninth person.
In November 2018, detectives from the State Crime Command's Robbery and Serious Crime Squad established Strike Force Merengue to investigate 80 aggravated break-ins across Sydney throughout September, October and November last year.
Inquiries led investigators to examine the activities of an organised theft syndicate, which also included shoplifting at designer stores and bag snatches across Sydney.
Eight members of the group, who are all Chilean Nationals, have been arrested and charged. They remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, Strike Force Merengue detectives arrested a 62-year-old man at a home on Luke Avenue, Burwood, just after 10.30am yesterday (Monday 1 April 2017).
He was taken to Burwood Police Station and charged with make false statement to officer, purposes Migration Act; seven counts of steal from person; and knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime.
Police will allege in court that the man stole property and nearly $20,000 in cash from members of the public at hotels and shopping centres in Sydney between January and March 2019.
The man, who is a Chilean National, was refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court today (Tuesday 2 April 2019).
Investigations are continuing.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Merengue investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
