Raptor Squad have engaged with the NSW Department of Customer Service as they continue operations to disrupt and dismantle illicit activity by organised criminal groups.
About 11am yesterday, officers attached to the State Crime Command's Raptor Squad accompanied representatives from NSW Fair Trading to conduct compliance checks on a car hire company operating out of a premise in Zetland.
As part of ongoing inquiries, detectives identified a number of vehicles from the car hire company being used by associates of criminal groups based in Sydney's south-west.
In addition, a Bentley Continental GT rented from the company is a vehicle of interest in an investigation by the Criminal Groups Squad into a public place shooting that took place at Badham St, Merrylands on Thursday 30 April 2020.
NSW Police are not alleging the business participated in criminal activity.
Detective Superintendent Jason Weinstein, Commander of Raptor Squad said yesterday's operation is a great example of government working together to address the threat of organised crime.
"Earlier this year we promised that Raptor Squad would be a thorn in the side of organised crime, lawfully making life difficult on those involved in it and their associates," Det Supt Weinstein said.
"The success of Raptor was built on sustaining pressure on individuals involved in criminal groups and those closest to them, supressing their activities to a point where their way of life is deeply affected.
"Working with agencies such as NSW Fair Trading, we will continue to limit the ability of organised criminal networks to do business and negatively impact on the community."
NSW Fair Trading Investigations & Operations Director Stephen French said teaming up with the Raptor Squad allowed both agencies to use their powers and weed out organised crime.
"Teaming up with NSW Police means we can come at these crooks from all angles," Mr French said.
"Organised crime often finds its way into legitimate business, so our job is to work with police to stamp out those criminals.
"By disqualifying the licenses of dodgy dealers, we are preventing them from using a business to commit crimes as well as cutting off a revenue stream.
"It is a multi-pronged approach and a clear message that crims can't hide behind a business."
Inquiries continue into possible compliance breaches by the business.
Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009, before becoming a standalone squad in 2021. Raptor Squad conducts proactive investigations and intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and disrupt conflicts, and dismantle any network engaged in serious organised criminal activity.
Anyone with information, including relevant photos and videos, that may assist Strike Force Raptor can report it directly to investigators via the Strike Force Raptor online reporting page: https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/Default.aspx?id=49 or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Information provided to investigators will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
