The NSW Police Force has announced a new taskforce to coordinate the investigations and operations to target those involved in recent public place shootings and associated organised criminal activities.
Taskforce Magnus is being led by State Crime Command (SCC) and will examine the links between the shootings dating back to that of Alen Moradian in Bondi Junction on Tuesday 27 June 2023.
Initial inquiries suggest the common link between the shootings is conflict arising from the alleged supply of prohibited drugs, particularly in the south-west Sydney area.
In addition to examining the circumstances and links between the incidents, the taskforce will be responsible for ramped up activity to target and disrupt those still believed to be in ongoing conflict.
Investigators, expertise, and resources will be pooled from across the entire NSWPF organisation, including from all of State Crime Command's specialist squads.
Minister for Police and Counter Terrorism Yasmin Catley said she's committed to providing police the ongoing support and resources they need to combat such violent shootings under Taskforce Magnus.
"The NSWPF has my full ministerial support to properly resource the policing efforts needed to curve this ongoing escalation," Minister Catley said.
"I will continue to review all legislation to make sure our police are in the best position possible to protect and serve the people of south-west Sydney and the state."
NSW Police Force Commissioner Karen Webb APM said the safety and wellbeing of our law-abiding community remains her number one priority and is motivation for announcing such a significant operational response.
"Public place shootings are reckless – and criminals carrying out such attacks show a blatant disregard for, not only their own safety, but that of the community.
"Taskforce Magnus will provide investigating officers a full suite of capabilities and an arsenal of resources to not only find those responsible, but to end this brazen violence on our streets," Commissioner Webb said.
"Organised criminals have proven time and time again they operate within a cone of silence – unwilling to assist police due to fear of retribution or misguided loyalties.
"But that said, last year Taskforce Erebus saw significant results, which is why we're taking a similar approach in this instance.
"We're also asking the community to play their part in bringing these criminals to justice. Police need evidence to put anyone before a court, which is where you can help us."
Deputy Commissioner David Hudson said some of the best minds in policing have been hand-picked to lead the new taskforce.
"Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Weinstein, the head of operations at State Crime Command, will be at the helm of Taskforce Magnus," Deputy Commissioner Hudson said.
"Detective Chief Superintendent Weinstein has nearly 30 years' experience with the NSWPF and was responsible for the the formation and continued success of Raptor Squad.
"Taskforce Magnus investigators will make sure those who are found to be responsible for these shootings will not only feel the full force of the NSW Police Force, but the NSW Crime Commission (NSWCC) and Australian Crime Intelligence Commission (ACIC)."
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
