Three Chilean nationals were yesterday arrested following investigations into an alleged crime syndicate involved in the organised theft of cash and jewellery, NSW Police say.
State Crime Command’s Property Crime Squad established Strike Force Brilliant to investigate a number of targeted thefts and break and enters, mainly targeting jewellery dealers and members of the public making withdrawals at financial institutions throughout Sydney in August and September this year.
It will be alleged the crime syndicate involved a number of Chilean and Colombian nationals temporarily in Australia on tourist or student visas who would distract the victims while other syndicate members would steal their property.
The strike force has been investigating more than 15 different incidents and police will allege the proceeds of the offences were sent overseas.
About 11am yesterday, a 30-year-old man was arrested at Sydney International Airport by virtue of an arrest warrant.
Another two men, aged 23 and 52, were removed from a plane bound for Santiago, Chile, by officers from the Australian Federal Police and the Property Crime Squad.
All three were taken to Mascot Police Station by Property Crime Squad detectives where they were each charged with five counts of steal from person as well as participating in a criminal group.
They were refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today and will next appear at Liverpool Local Court tomorrow.
It follows the arrest of a 43-year-old Chilean national by Cabramatta Local Area Command on Thursday who was charged with three counts of steal from person, armed with intent to commit an indictable offence and participate in a criminal group. He is also due to appear at Liverpool Local Court tomorrow.
Investigations by Strike Force Brilliant detectives are continuing and further arrests are anticipated.
Police are urging anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers.
