A 33-year-old Tarragindi man charged with 25 offences including three counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs - serious organised crime, eight counts of supplying dangerous drugs and weapon offences. We will be a stepahead. 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. 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 . (Supplied) Just after 3am, with Micalizzi's bag safety stowed in the cargo hold, the pair took off in the Aztec, leaving Bankstown's runway behind en route to Whyalla, the first refuelling stop on the 15-hour journey to Jandakot. New Zealand Police say they have dealt a "huge blow" to organised crime after a major trans-national sting resulted in 35 arrests and $3.7 million in assets seized. The Turkish-Australian holds dual citizenship, and despite being included in the NSW police most wanted persons list and having an Interpol arrest warrant against his name, Turkey does not extradite its citizens. 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. 'We're bearing down upon them. Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said Operation Trojan Shield would have an unprecedented impact on organised crime syndicates across the globe. What did do was send encrypted messages, photos and videos, using a foreign SIM card to apparently avoid Australian data snooping laws. Further charges against more people have not been ruled out. One man has also been charged with conspiring to import methamphetamine between January and March. Police and Customs managed to intercept more than 600kg of methamphetamine at Auckland Airport. The arrests and seizures were part of Operation Baystone, which began after 2.7kg of methamphetamine was found in the Perth suburb of Stirling in December last year. Information between the agencies led to the commencement of two local operations targeting drug and money-laundering offences. The Australian Federal Police on Tuesday revealed a breathtaking three-year tech ploy which led to 4,000 police executing 525 search warrants. Former Bachelorette star Samuel Minkin, who appeared on Becky and Elly Miles' season of the dating show, was charged with possessing a large commercial quantity of cannabis after police stopped a van in Byron Bay last month, Hakan Ayik (pictured) was tricked into distributing messages to criminal associates, Hakan Ayik has spent the last decade living a lavish lifestyle in Turkey. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on Tuesday. It was a 30-plus degree summer day and, although a cyclone was gravitating towards Western Australia's northern coast, not a gust of wind was blowing at the strip. The Comancheros are regarded as one of the most violent motorcycle gangs in Australia. The asset recovery unit also restrained three properties, worth a total of $5.7m, meaning they cannot be sold. Had we not made this seizure, those communities would have continued to suffer, and the individuals involved in this offending would continue to profit from the destruction with no regard for those they have affected. Members of the Comancheros linked to the alleged conspiracy are among those arrested this week. Senior members of the Comancheros gang purchased a catamaran and allegedly planned to rendezvous at sea with a "mothership" bringing large shipments of illicit drugs into New Zealand. Drug kingpin and Comancheros bikie associate Hakan Ayik has spent the last decade on the run from Australian . 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'. 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. Credit:Nine News. Operation Hoffman, a sting designed by Australia's most secretive and powerful law enforcement agency, the Australian Crime Commission, would topple a billion-dollar empire extending across two continents and send a drug lord into hiding. A 46-year-old Bracken Ridge man charged with 12 offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs - serious organised crime, four counts of possessing dangerous drugs, two counts of possessing property used in the commission of a crime, and once count of possessing property obtained from trafficking. "This shipment never made it to New Zealand.". New Zealands previous largest drug bust was in 2016, when 501kg of methamphetamine was seized in Northland, including 449kg from a camper van and 52kg found buried at Ninety Mile Beach. Fronting media in Auckland, Williams said the FBI had recently dismantled several encrypted platforms which criminals used to communicate, including Canadian-based Phantom Secure in 2018 and Sky Global earlier this year. But its best feature - and for most of its users, the worst - wasn't promoted in its marketing material. Supt Migro told reporters there was "a clear link between this drug shipment and the Comancheros", adding it was part of an organised crime trend that had been attracted to WA by its booming economy. 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. Operation Trojan Shield saw the FBI create a closed encrypted company, called Anom, to fill this void, allowing investigators to eavesdrop on criminal communications about drug trafficking and money laundering activities across the globe. At the time, police seized 3kg of MDMA powder, 3kg of ephedrine, quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine and other drugs. The Comancheros purchased a catamaran to carry out the offshore marine rendezvous. 7NEWS can reveal the bust is linked to exiled bikie Mark Buddle of the Comancheros. AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw said the alleged syndicate included 'someof the most dangerous criminals toAustralia'. Criminals needed to know a criminal to get a device. Australia's biggest ever police bust has seen not only seen the arrests of the Who's Who of the globalcriminal underworld, but yielded an extraordinary haul of 3.77 tonnes of drugs, $45 million in cash, guns, luxury cars, motorbikes and watches. Video / AFP It is being credited with catching underworld figures, mafia. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on January 20. A handcuffed Santos assists police searching the plane at Jandakot Airport. Organised crime evolving 'rapidly' in NZ as borders become 'porous' to illicit trade - NZ Heral Gangs and guns: Police unveil operation targeting firearms and organised crime - NZ Herald. A luxury Ducati motorcycle, Audi sedan, Rolex watches, ammunition, bullet-proof vests, firearms and even memorabilia from the 1972 cult classic The Godfather was seized from a number of properties. Todays arrests include a leader of the Comancheros gang, who allegedly formed a partnership with a senior member of the Rebels gang in Christchurch, with both allegedly running drug distribution networks in their areas, police said in a statement. 3 Dec, . Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. 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. It involved three major organised crime investigations here targeting the importation, sale and supply of class-A drugs, as well as money-laundering activities. Senior bikies and mafia figures were tricked into buying hi-tech phones that would supposedly let them messages one another, free of police snooping. 'I have amessage for the criminals targetingAustralia and Australia's interests- the AFP will be relentless,' Mr Kershaw said. Shit happens.". Some 224 people have been arrested, $44,934,457 in cash seized, as well as 104 weapons, 3.7 tonnes of drugs and multi-million dollar assets. The Wednesday arrests include a leader of the Comancheros who allegedly formed a partnership with a senior member of the Rebels in Christchurch. New Zealand Customs staff, Armed Offenders Squad members, Asset Recovery Unit and Police Dog Section staff assisted police with the searches. LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) Dozens of people were arrested, and more than 5,000 pounds of methamphetamine and nearly $16 million was seized in the Southern California area amid a nationwide operation . If Stuff is a regular part of your day, please consider becoming a supporter. Bi was released on $400,000 bail to reappear on March 26. Police are making. Nationwide News Pty Ltd 2023. 'Illicit drug use ruins lives and fuels organised crime.'. Nationwide News Pty Ltd 2023. Police said the raids targeted a group believed to be involved in the importation, distribution and manufacture of methamphetamine and MDMA. 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. The Australian Federal Police announced on Tuesday that it had seized 3.7 tonnes of drugs, 104 weapons and almost $45million in cash as part of the operation - which was three years in the making. 'Some of the best ideas come over a couple of beers.'. This is a high-value criminal sponsoring a criminal communications system,' Australian Federal Police Superintendent Jared Taggart told News Corp papers. 'We allege they aremembers of outlaw motorcycle gangs,Australian Mafia, Asian crimesyndicates and serious and organisedcrime groups,' he told reporters on Tuesday. 'There's no doubt going to be some tension within the whole system about who owes what drug debt and so on. The alleged offenders are linked to the Australian-based Italian mafia - known as the Ndrangheta - as well as outlaw motorcycle gangs, Asian crime syndicates and Albanian organised crime figures. Find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-out. "We've got the president - there was actually a structure in place - there are a number of other people that we are waiting to see when and if they will be patched, and that was going to happen (this) weekend," WA Serious and Organised Crime Division Superintendent Jim Migro told reporters on Friday. This is a long way from over.'. "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. 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. A 37-year-old Holland Park West man charged with 14 offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs - serious organised crime and one count of trafficking in dangerous drugs. China increases military spending in face of 'escalating' threats, Treaty ahoy! 50kg of cocaine seized in 10-month police probe, suspected Colombian drug ring . Twelve people have been arrested, including senior leaders of the Comancheros and Rebels gangs, after a major drug bust operation on Wednesday. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on December 6. The gang vessel was seized during the searches, along with a cache of drugs, luxury vehicles and cash. Large-scale operations of this nature create enormous disruption and paranoia within organised crime groups because it breaks down their communication channels that they use to evade law enforcement detection.". James Hall @James_P_Hall 3 min read November 23, 2021 - 7:18PM NCA NewsWire Ninja Warrior 2017 contestant Sopiea Kong was among those arrested. 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. As officers searched the black sports bag, they uncovered nearly $8 million worth of drugs. 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. New Zealand's previous largest drug bust was in 2016, when 501kg of methamphetamine was seized in Northland, including 449kg. The phones were stripped down - they couldn't even make calls, access the internet or send emails. 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. 'And it isour intention that they are lookingover their shoulder, because our law enforcement agencies and thepartnerships we have around theworld are bearing down upon them,' he said. His associates would readily take his word for it,' an AFP investigator added. It is being credited with catching underworld figures, mafia personalities and terror suspects planning not only major drug imports but cold blooded executions. It wasnt an unusual occurrence. Police said they were both running drug distribution networks in their cities. National Organised Crime Group acting Detective Inspector John Brunton said police were determined to target the leaders and key members of these criminal gangs involved in illicit drug distribution, intimidation and violence. 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. More than 800 suspected criminals have been arrested worldwide after being tricked into using an FBI-run encrypted messaging app, officials say. More arrests are expected domestically and offshore under a coordinated global response connected to Operation Ironside. Not so shipshape! It could only send messages to another device that had the organised crime app. Manukau District Court documents seen by Stuff allege five men participated in an organised criminal group with the shared objective of obtaining material benefits from the possession of methamphetamine for supply. 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. For years, it sat on the tarmac at a general airport 20 kilometres south of Perth. Were working to restore it. We provided the technical capability to decrypt those messages,' he said. 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. Pilots wondered why it sat there, rusting, and told tall stories about where it came from. The near year-long operation came to a climax on Sunday and Monday when detectives swarmed on multiple properties across Broadbeach Waters, Gaven, Tamborine, Rochdale, Steiglitz, Cleveland, Holland Park, Capalaba, Caboolture, Mount Nathan and Rockhampton. '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.'. "They are establishing themselves here in WA.". Phil Hickey The West Australian. He is due to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on November 22. You can rely on Stuffs journalists to question the decision-makers, interview experts, and use eyewitness reporting to answer your key questions with facts and context. Police searched 21 properties across Auckland and three in Christchurch. The app AN0M was installed on mobile phones that were stripped of other capability. Get the news you want delivered to your inbox. Almost $4 million in assets was seized in the raids, including luxury cars and property. So that was pretty brazen to see that they were actually disloyal to their own groups,' he said. It was March 5, 2008. 'We allege they've beentrafficking illicit drugs intoAustralia at an industrial scale. New details about a massive WA drug bust which led to the arrest of former Comanchero bikie Mohammed Oueida can be revealed for the first time. That seizure was also allegedly tied to the Comancheros. You can make a contribution from as little as $1. We appreciate the assistance provided by Customs in this operation, particularly with the exceptional profiling of shipments from high-risk countries which end up resulting in these large interceptions. Several of the people arrested are linked to the Comancheros gang. "This is a very significant bust - 7.5kg of amphetamines over a couple of months.". Officers from Strike Force . At least 35 people were arrested who appeared yesterday in Auckland and Hamilton district courts facing nearly 1000 separate drug dealing and money laundering charges. 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. Now living in Turkey, he was tricked into distributing messages to his criminal associates around the world via encrypted communications app AN0M, unaware it was being run by FBI special agents. '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. But the way journalism is funded is changing and we need your help to sustain local newsrooms. How Boris Johnson's Partygate tormentor Sue Gray is now enmeshed in her own row - as it is DAN HODGES: This grubby Sue Gray recruitment annihilates all pretence that Sir Keir Starmer is a man of Matt Hancock discussed 'deploying' new virus variant to 'frighten the pants off everyone' as former Health 'So many dead. "We are an area that is very rich at present - a great area for organised crime to come and focus on," Supt Migro said. They sat back and secretly intercepted millions of messages sent as unsuspecting associates openly stated their plans including plots to kill, importing drugs and identifying those who could help them with their criminal enterprises. More charges are expected to be laid as Australian Federal Police work their way through the 25 million messages intercepted by the encrypted app. Operation Tango Citron uncovered a major drug network operating across the citys bayside region distributing cocaine, methamphetamines, MDMA and cannabis, according to Queensland Police Service. It was mostly unknown clients like the one bound for Jandakot who had booked the trips. In October, 20,000 ecstasy pills known as pink Porsche, luxury vehicles, properties and illegal firearms were seized through Operation Cincinnati. He was denied bail and will reappear in court next week. Its buyer, a former 747 Qantas pilot and mining, military and medical industries surplus trader, planned to donate it to a Jandakot-based tertiary education centre to train prospective engineers in disassembling aeroplanes. bikies, and reality TV stars arrested and charged. But youknow, this isn't over. 'The cash that we've seized, which they now owe debts on, the drugs that have been seized which they now owe debts on,' Superintendent McArthur said. Users could buy phone handsets costing between $1,500 and $2,500 from what has been described as underground distributors. The arrests were made after 24 properties were searched on Wednesday 21 throughout the wider Auckland area, and three in Christchurch. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on Tuesday. As the plane finally stopped on the apron, the Lycoming O-540 engines idling away, he heard a knock on the door. Get exclusive discounts on movie tickets, dining and popular attractions. The next few months after the bust, investigators from the Australian Crime Commission infiltrated international money-laundering streams and exposed Ayik's drug empire. Australia's world-first Assistance and Access Act passed in 2018 allows intelligence agencies to require tech companies to hand over encrypted messages. Remote landing strips were and still are a hole in Australia's national security network, too isolated and remote to be monitored effectively. Two shotguns and ammunition were also found. However, it seems few alleged criminals in the sights of law enforcement did a cursory Google search into the 'encrypted' phone and app platform. Details of the failed drug trafficking plan emerged following the termination of Operation Trojan Shield - described as the "sting of the century" and a huge blow to New Zealand's criminal fraternity. It will also be alleged six vehicles were either stolen or used to commit an offence including two cars, a motorcycle, truck, trailer and jet ski worth a combined $230,000. 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. Senior investigators allege '100 per cent' of telephone conversations intercepted on the devices were all business and in relation to criminal activity. Micalizzi, who sat down at the back of the six seater, slept most of the time, Santos says, and spoke to him only to ask when they would arrive. But until now, its role in one of the biggest law enforcement operations in Australian history has remained a mystery. Australian bikie gangs have been crippled by almost 100 arrests stemming from the Trojan horse encryped messaging app AN0M. Police and New Zealand Customs staff carried. An Interpol red notice has also been for Ayik's arrest, who remains on the run from authorities. Be part of our story, and help us tell yours. 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! A 46-year-old Mango Hill man charged with nine offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs - serious organised crime, two counts of supplying dangerous drugs and weapon offences. Video / Mike Scott. Credit:Nine News. Police will allege $640,000 in cash was uncovered as well as $1m worth of drugs, including 113kg of cannabis, 134 grams of cocaine and 84 grams of methamphetamine, as well as five handguns and eight rifles. Police will allege bikie gangs bought a share of drug importations for more than $1 million alongside other criminal groups. WEST Australian police have arrested the WA president of the Comanchero bikie gang and three associates after seizing 5.2kg of methamphetamine in a joint operation with NSW police. The investigation, dubbed Operation Weirton, had been looking at a criminal syndicates alleged links to importation of controlled Class A drugs into the country, Coster said. Inside the vehicle was a man and a woman and allegedly more than 30kg of deadly methylamphetamine. Police seized almost $2m in drugs and property after raids on a Comancheros bikie gang drug trafficking syndicate. Pictured: ammunition seized by police, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the AFP operation, known as Operation Ironside, had struck a 'heavy blow' against criminals, Hakan Ayik (pictured) gave police extensive access to the world's criminal underworld throughencrypted communications app AN0M. 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Mr Kershaw said detectives witnessed associates 'turning on each other' and doing business behind each other's backs. NZ POLICE/Supplied. Globally, the operation involved at least 300 criminal networks, more than 45 languages, and at least 27 million encrypted messages. Had this shipment been distributed across New Zealand it would have caused immense harm to the vulnerable communities these criminal groups were preying upon.. Regular chances to win incredible prizes like luxury getaways and sports tickets with our subscriber exclusive competitions. Senior members of the Comancheros in Waikato, Waikato Mongrel Mob and the Head Hunters were among those arrested. Faulkhead was arrested with five other men in January 2014 after large-scale drug raids in the Mildura region. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. The drugs have a street value of more than $245 million, police said in a statement. IF YOU VALUE YOUR PRIVACY & SAFETY'. National Organised Crime Group director detective superintendent Greg Williams described Operation Trojan Shield as one of the most sophisticated law enforcement operations ever undertaken "in the global fight against organised crime". Breaking news, sport, business and more. Mark Vick Kitos, 28, of Stirling, was also charged, but did not appear in court and remains in police custody. Officers from Strike Force Garlow found $3 million worth of methylamphetamine at a dilapidated drug lab on a rural property in Kulnura and arrested 2 men aged 48 and 35 who were allegedly making the drug ice and dealing in the proceeds of crime.Police also seized methylamphetamine oil, more than 20kg of precursor chemicals, drug manufacturing equipment and $220,000 in cash.It's understood the drugs were being made under an agreement between the Nomads and Comancheros. Gang expert - Canterbury University criminal justice director Jared Gilbert - said many organised criminals would be looking over their shoulders following the major police bust.