New South Wales police have revealed a covert operation targeting alleged contract criminals using a network of staged vehicles, known as 'kill cars', following the disruption of an alleged murder plot at a daycare centre in Sydney's south-west.
On Tuesday, officers arrested three men in Revesby who were allegedly carrying balaclavas and pistols. Police claim the group planned to intercept and kill their target as he picked up a child at a daycare centre.
Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, commander of the organised crime squad, said the use of kill cars has become a common factor in serious violent crimes linked to organised crime, including murders and kidnappings. 'We've had enormous success targeting organised crime by following the money. Now, we're following the cars,' he said.
A second trio was arrested on Thursday over their alleged involvement in the 'G7' crew. Two men, aged 18 and 21, faced bail court on charges related to instruments of crime, crime proceeds, and gang-related offences. A 16-year-old was also in custody accused of car theft, driving, and gang charges.
Raids across eight properties yielded five cars, a firearm, ammunition, $41,000 in cash, GPS trackers, and 37 mobile phones and encrypted criminal devices. Police urged the public to report suspicious vehicles parked for long periods or with signs of false or tampered plates, noting that such tips could prevent tragedies.
The arrests come amid a spate of public shootings and violent crimes in Sydney, including the murder of a mother abducted from her Bankstown home in April and the execution of plumber John Versace in May. On Wednesday, former UFC fighter Suman Mokhtarian was shot dead while out walking.
