Alleged bikies and associates make up one third of the hundreds of arrests made under Operation Ironside, along-term covert investigation into organised crime allegedly responsible for huge drug imports. 23:02 EST 13 Nov 2021. Were working to restore it. Crooks could buy a six month subscription to use the app - the funds raised unknowingly redirected to the police. A 10-month investigation targeting an alleged bikie network in Brisbane connected to the notorious Comanchero gang has led to the arrest of 42 people on nearly 430 charges and the seizure of nearly $2m in drugs, cash and property. Led by the FBI, and co-ordinated with the US Drug Enforcement Agency, Australian Federal Police, Europol and other law enforcement partners from more than a dozen countries, the covert operation involved investigators infiltrating encrypted devices used by transnational criminals. Williams said $3.7m in assets had been seized, along with 20 ounces of methamphetamine, large bags of cannabis, multiple kilograms of iodine, four firearms, 14 vehicles, including two marine vessels, mobile phones and more than $1m in cash. Not so shipshape! Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. Members of the Rebels gang have been arrested after police searched 24 properties on Wednesday. A lawyer for the man charged with the murder of Toyah Cordingley has spoken to media following his clients appearance before a Queensland court four years after her body was found. A bankrupt and former nightclub bouncer from Bankstown well into his 30s, Santos had spent a few months before the bust flying passengers across the country in his Aztec in a bid to meet the minimum flying hours required to obtain a commercial pilot's licence. Pictured: items seized by the AFP, More arrests are expected domestically and offshore under a coordinated global response connected to Operation Ironside. More than a decade later after the sting, drugs continue to slip across Australia's borders from overseas, as the nation's drug users consume more than four tonnes of cocaine every year. He is due to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on November 22. Williams said the group had planned to import "huge quantities" of meth and cocaine into New Zealand on a mothership, which would be met by smaller craft at sea and the drugs ferried back to shore for distribution. China increases military spending in face of 'escalating' threats, Treaty ahoy! Never seen anything like it': Medics and care workers hits back at Matt Hancock by revealing Rishi Sunak told Matt Hancock that Dominic Cummings' time in Downing Street was 'a nightmare', new WhatsApp Madonna's Skid Row brother: For years the superstar, 64, was accused of shunning him. But its best feature - and for most of its users, the worst - wasn't promoted in its marketing material. New details about a massive WA drug bust which snared former Comanchero bikie Mohammed Oueida can be revealed for the first time, including how one of the three alleged drug smugglers fainted when first arrested by police. Information between the agencies led to the commencement of two local operations targeting drug and money-laundering offences. A 47-year-old Mackenzie man charged with 11 offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs - serious organised crime, three counts of supplying dangerous drug and weapon offences. Mr Kershaw said detectives witnessed associates 'turning on each other' and doing business behind each other's backs. Drug kingpin and Comancheros bikie associate Hakan Ayik has spent the last decade on the run from Australian authorities after fleeing the country in 2010. Police are making good progress dismantling his alleged empire of organised crime. Now, a man has purchased the same Aztec Piper which brought the drugs to WA.Credit: As Bankstown pilot Jamieson Santos was preparing to land his twin-engined 1970s Piper Aztec at a busy airport on the outskirts of Perth a dozen grim-faced police officers were waiting on the hot tarmac. It could only send messages to another device that had the organised crime app. 'The FBI had the lead on this. They were unaware it was run by FBI agents and the Australian Federal Police who could read their every word. Police said the nine-month investigation, run by the National Organised Crime Group, targeted a core group that are alleged to be involved in the importation, distribution and manufacture of methamphetamine and MDMA, and other drugs in the two cities. International drug syndicate Sinaloa cartel was helping Auckland gang Comancheros, police reveal It wasn't long until the Comanchero announced their arrival, as first revealed by the Herald.
The successful culmination of the investigations this week had caused significant disruption to organised criminal syndicates both here and overseas. Ayik, then in his early 30s, had made a fortune by forging alliances with Chinese triads, Indian chemical suppliers, the Comancheros outlaw motorcycle gang and known underworld figures to create a multi-billion dollar international drug syndicate spanning across continents. BBC's 1million star Zoe Ball, 52, lands big new payday for Abba show on ITV. More than 3,000 pounds of methamphetamine and 66 kilograms of cocaine were found in a massive drug bust in Norco last month, making it the largest seizure of meth for the DEA's Los Angeles Division. More arrests are expected domestically and offshore under a coordinated global response connected to Operation Ironside. Several of the people arrested are linked to the Comancheros gang. New Zealand Police began working with the FBI on the operation in January 2020 to monitor the communications of platform users here in New Zealand. Police have arrested 12 more people today as part of Operation Cincinnati and located drugs, some of which was ready for sale, and a shotgun after executing 24 search warrants. 'I can't comment on what's happening overseas at the moment, but I think I could probably assure everyone that the AFP and its partners are definitely exploiting the Ironside information, and the networks that we've identified, and we're actively targeting some of these Comanchero members offshore,' Superintendent McArthur said. Pictured: one man being arrested by AFP officers, A tradie is seen kneeling with his hands tied behind his back after being arrested following raids, A luxury Ducati motorcycle was among the hundreds of items seized by AFP officers during raids as part of Operation Ironside. Huge AFP bust has seen 4,000 cops storm Australia's underworld overnight . 20,000 ecstasy pills and Ferrari seized in major police bust in Auckland, 58-year-old man dies at start of mountain bike race, Person who died after incident in Auckland's Beach Haven named, What the alcohol industry doesn't want you to know, Christopher Luxon promises childcare rebates for any family earning less than $180,000, Teen boys charged with murder over killing of driver in Auckland, Homeowner says banks offering 4.99% under the table is a 'market failure', The Jugglenaut: How childcare became a for-profit game, Disappointment and tequila: How sporting power couple Dion Nash and Bernice Mene met, Wallabies star's NZ$1.6m World Cup gamble after bar brawl shuts down Japanese club, Quiz: Morning trivia challenge: March 5, 2023. It is being credited with catching underworld figures, mafia personalities and terror suspects planning not only major drug imports but cold blooded executions. AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw said the alleged syndicate included 'someof the most dangerous criminals toAustralia'. Weve got a newsletter for everyone. Police have charged 224 alleged offenders with 525 charges, shut down six clandestine laboratories and acted on 21 threats to kill, Pictured: one man accused of participating in the syndicate sits on his bed after being raided by AFP officers, A luxury Audi sedan seized by the AFP as part of their joint investigation with the U.S. FBI, The bust exposed new details about how one of Australia's most wanted fugitives gave police extensive access to the world's criminal underworld. "We have got a lot of people with large sums of money, very disposable income - great targets for organised crime - and that's why organised crime from all groups are starting to look at and concentrate on WA. Police have arrested 12 people, including senior members of the Comancheros and Rebels gangs, as part of an operation targeting the drug trade. The huge drug bust was uncovered when detectives from the drug and firearms squad pulled over a rented Winnebago near Kellerberrin on April 16. Murdaugh is heckled as he leaves court, Missing hiker buried under snow forces arm out to wave to helicopter, Incredible footage of Ukrainian soldiers fighting Russians in Bakhmut, Fleet-footed cop chases an offender riding a scooter, Two Russian tanks annihilated with bombs by Ukrainian armed forces, Isabel Oakeshott clashes with Nick Robinson over Hancock texts, Dozens stuck in car park as staff refuses to open gate for woman, Insane moment river of rocks falls onto Malibu Canyon in CA. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on December 6. Had this shipment been distributed across New Zealand it would have caused immense harm to the vulnerable communities these criminal groups were preying upon.. But after Anthony 'You'll be missed forever': Elizabeth Hurley and son Damian share heartfelt tribute to her late ex Shane Mamma Mia! "The jury didn't buy it, I was found guilty at trial and got 15 years. Kylie Stevens For Daily Mail Australia, From Nivea moisturiser to two-minute noodles and of course, an Adidas shirt: Inside the 'getaway' bag of accused cocaine kingpin dramatically arrested as he attempted to flee Australia, How an undercover operative nicknamed 'Antman' infiltrated Mostafa Baluch's alleged drug syndicate to destroy a $270million coke deal and replace 900kg in powder with a sham load. Police said they were both running drug distribution networks in their cities. Police will allege bikie gangs bought a share of drug importations for more than $1 million alongside other criminal groups. However, it seems few alleged criminals in the sights of law enforcement did a cursory Google search into the 'encrypted' phone and app platform. Police are making. He was denied bail and will reappear in court next week. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook , started in 2018 with a fake encrypted communication app developed in partnership with the FBI. About five kilograms of the drug was found hidden in a car being transported to Perth from Sydney, while a search of 13 premises in Perth overnight turned up a further 210g. Personal trainer, 22, describes what working in the fitness industry is like when you're curvy - and why Jon Jones vs Ciryl Gane - UFC 285 LIVE: Follow all the action from main card ahead of HUGE heavyweight PETER HITCHENS: Now we know for sure that our leaders lost their heads over Covid. The bust exposed new details about how one of Australia's most wanted fugitives gave police extensive access to the world's criminal underworld. Senior leaders of the Comancheros and Rebels gangs have been arrested and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash seized following a raft of armed police raids across Auckland and Christchurch. 'Some of the best ideas come over a couple of beers.'. If you value facts and being well-informed, please consider supporting Stuff. 3 Dec, . Hayden Burber, 33,alleged treasurer of the South Australian Comanchero, Christian Taumoefolau, 31, allegedSergeant-at-Arms of the Victorian Comanchero, Eren Kaya, 28, alleged Sergeant-at-Arms from Victoria, Muhammed Topal,25, Victorian-based brother of high-ranking Comanchero figure Hasan Topal, Emmanuel Vamvoukais, 40, alleged sergeant-at-arms of the NSW South Coast, Elias Elchaar, 49, alleged national sergeant-at-arms of the Lone Wolf gang, The comments below have not been moderated, By
'Sadly, criminal gangs are targetingAustralia because it is one of themost profitable countries in theworld to sell drugs, and for threeyears, this operation has been overt.'. But youknow, this isn't over. Breaking news, sport, business and more. At least one major gang hit back at police yesterday - labelling the operation a smear campaign. Two shotguns and ammunition were also found. Coster said he was proud of his police staff for the work they do to keep communities safe. AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw said federal agents had been in the 'back pockets' of criminals through the encryption app. We will be a stepahead. Three years ago, Australia Federal Policeidentified Ayik as a key influencer to successfully distribute the encrypted AN0M devices due to his high status in the criminal underworld. Through the covert operation, detectives allegedly uncovered 21 murder plots, gun distribution and mass drug trafficking, withmafia bosses,bikies, and reality TV stars arrested and charged. "It's a great day for New Zealand," Williams told the Herald. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on January 20. 'We're bearing down upon them. READ MORE: * 20,000 ecstasy pills and Ferrari seized in major police bust in Auckland. Kiwi police working closely alongside international law enforcement agencies and spy networks revealed yesterday they have been secretly intercepting criminals' private communications on an encrypted digital platform built by the FBI. Santos is eight years into a 15-year sentence and will tell anyone who listens he is innocent. The president of the Comancheros and another member have pleaded guilty to part of their alleged involvement in a large scale money laundering and drug operation. An FBI spokesperson said the operation highlighted how global law enforcement agencies could successfully combat transnational organised crime and drug trafficking, even against those who attempted to hide behind encrypted communication platforms. The pair were arrested at the airport and ultimately charged with two counts of possession with intent to sell or supply, and sentenced to 15 years in jail. READ MORE: * Duo jailed after Customs' largest-ever seizure of methamphetamine * Ninety Mile beach meth bust: Police ID kingpins behind massive drug haul * Ninety Mile Beach meth importing trial: Guilty verdicts for both accused. 'STAY AWAY FROM ANOM IF YOU VALUE YOUR PRIVACY AND SAFETY,' the blogger wrote in an article, which has since been pulled down. Pictured: one of hundreds of arrests, 'Wewill outsmart you. We provided the technical capability to decrypt those messages,' he said. But thanks to a major international police operation targeting global organised crime, the maritime drug runs never eventuated and the alleged masterminds are now before the courts. Throughout the covert operation, detectives allegedly uncovered murder plots, gun distribution, and mass drug trafficking, with mafia bosses, bikies, and reality TV stars arrested and charged. In Australia, 224 people were arrested including members of outlaw motorcycle gangs, mafia groups, Asian crime syndicates, and serious and organised crime groups. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on Tuesday. The Australian Federal Police on Tuesday revealed a breathtaking three-year tech ploy which led to 4,000 police executing 525 search warrants. Further enquiries into the intercepted meth over the last few days saw several search warrants being carried out across south Auckland on Tuesday evening, resulting in the arrest of six people aged between 27 and 36. An officer who identified himself as Detective Roy Morrish was standing at the forefront of the unit, motioning officers to unzip the large sports bag Micalizzi had loaded onto the cargo hold 15 hours prior. On Monday, more than 300 New Zealand police staff involved in the operation executed 37 search warrants across the North Island. The uniformed police found the drugs hidden under a pillowcase in the black sports bag Micalizzi had brought with him. Police claim Milenkovski is the president of the nascent WA chapter of the Comancheros and was in the process of establishing the club in the state. A 37-year-old Capalaba man charged with 158 offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs - serious organised crime, one count of trafficking dangerous drugs, one count of producing dangerous drug, 130 counts of supplying dangerous drugs and weapon offences. Police have arrested 12 people, including senior members of the Comancheros and Rebels gangs, as part of an operation targeting the drug trade. NZ POLICE/Supplied. "Turn the engine off and get out of the aircraft.". It follows the first phase of Operation Cincinnati in October when 26 people were arrested and kilos of drugs was seized, along with multiple firearms and more than $10 million in assets. But they're not okay. Credit:Nine News. The app was created by police and spread to criminals, then millions of messages were intercepted and used to make arrests in Australia's biggest ever sting. The police sting has 'significantly impacted' the Comancheros and their business model as alleged club figures Mark Buddle and alleged drug kingpin Hakan Ayik remain on the run from authorities overseas. Pasilika Naufahu is on trial for drug, money laundering and organised crime charges. 'It's just pure revenue, it's a bit like selling Amway for him. Waikato Mongrel Mob's public relations liaison, Lou Hutchinson, took to Twitter to say: "Lol do you seriously believe all the bullsh*t spin about the Waikato Mongrel Mob Kingdom [sic] this is a total smear campaign driven by the NZ Police, politicians and mainstream media! It wasnt an unusual occurrence. 7NEWS can reveal the bust is linked to exiled bikie Mark Buddle of the Comancheros.Police are making good progress dismantling his alleged empire of organise. Five unexpected signs in your 20s and 30s you're at risk of developing heart disease later in life. Operation Ironside, started in 2018 with a fake encrypted communication app developed in partnership with the FBI. Shit happens.". SEE THE MAP Brayden Heslehurst and Marcel Baum Nationwide News Pty Ltd 2023. Toxic trauma expert Gabor Mate diagnoses Prince Harry with attention deficit disorder but tells him it CAN 'I felt different to the rest of my family - and my mum felt the same': Prince Harry opens up on his 'broken 'He's completely beige drained of all his feisty ginger life-blood': JULIE BURCHILL'S verdict on Prince 'I was a bit of a mess': Amanda Abbington reveals she considered suicide after split from ex Martin Freeman DR ELLIE CANNON: My breast has not got lumps but it's itchy, should I be concerned about cancer at age 72? Police also seized a number of assets and eight luxury vehicles, including a 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista worth more than $630,000, and a 2020 Porsche 911 Coupe, worth more than $230,000. 'I have amessage for the criminals targetingAustralia and Australia's interests- the AFP will be relentless,' Mr Kershaw said. Police are gearing up to arrest a 'significant number' of people in the coming months. Comancheros gang boss Pasilika Naufahu jailed for money laundering, conspiring to supply drugs Updated 19/02/2021 Jamie Ensor Zac Fleming Comancheros boss Pasilika Naufahu has been sentenced. On its glitzy website, the 'ANoM' phone looks like any new tech innovation with sleek black lines, 'invite only' exclusivity and a pledge to 'enforce your right to privacy'. It was a sweet deal for somebody living off the generosity of friends and family. A further 10 gang members and their associates have also been arrested in relation to their alleged roles in the network, which saw drugs and cash transported between the two cities, police said. Kong, who was also allegedly in possession of $2,030 cash and a revolver, was granted bail and will appear in court on June 28. MDMA, cash and firearms were seized by police in October in Operation Cincinnati. Its bits and bobs are now scattered across his verandah and the tail and fuselage sit in a backyard in Perth's north, a dire reminder of the plane that once sat in the middle of Australia's own war on drugs and that changed law enforcement forever. "It must have been then," the now-49-year-old said. The Wednesday arrests include a leader of the Comancheros who allegedly formed a partnership with a senior member of the Rebels in Christchurch. But until now, its role in one of the biggest law enforcement operations in Australian history has remained a mystery. Pasilika Naufahu and Connor . 12:38, May 02 2022. 'We allege they aremembers of outlaw motorcycle gangs,Australian Mafia, Asian crimesyndicates and serious and organisedcrime groups,' he told reporters on Tuesday. Australia's biggest ever police bust used encrypted app to intercept messages Alleged bikies and associates make up a third of 303 Operation Ironside arrests Hardest hit gang were the Comancheros . Video / AFP It is being credited with catching underworld figures, mafia. "This is a very significant bust - 7.5kg of amphetamines over a couple of months.". UN states finally agree deal to protect high seas. The covert surveillance led to the termination of dozens of search warrants on Monday and a swathe of arrests putting a heavy dent in the criminal drug trade here and preventing the Comancheros earning millions of dollars from narcotics. A 41-year-old Gaven man charged with 11 offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs - serious organised crime and eight counts of supplying dangerous drugs. Buddle was last known to be in Iraq and Ayik is believed to be still living in Turkey and is hiding from underworld figures after he was outed as one of the 'influencers' who unwittingly spread the AN0M encrypted device.
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