Four men have been arrested over their alleged roles in a car rebirthing syndicate operating across Sydney.
In August 2018, detectives from the Financial Crimes Squad's Motor Unit established Strike Force Emelle to investigate the coordinated theft, rebirthing and on-sale of stolen motor vehicles and vessels operating across Sydney.
As part of their inquiries, detectives also received information about the supply of prohibited drugs.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives, with assistance from the North West and South West Operations Support Group, executed five search warrants at homes at The Ponds, Hornsby, Yagoona, Ermington and Dundas yesterday (Wednesday 30 October 2019).
Three men – aged 20, 30 and 32 – were arrested during the operation and charged with various offences relating to the rebirthing of more than 25 motor vehicles with a combined value of more than $2.5 million and a number of vessels with a combined value of more than $280,000, as well as illicit drug supply.
During a search of the properties, officers seized more than $270,000 cash, four vehicles including a Honda Integra sedan, Toyota Prado and a BMW M3, three boats, a motorcycle, mobile phones, documents and cocaine.
Following further inquiries, detectives executed a further two search warrants at homes at Harris Park and Westleigh earlier today (Thursday 31 October 2019).
A 64-year-old man was arrested at Westleigh and taken to Hornsby Police Station.
Charges are expected to be laid.
