Four men have been extradited from Sydney over an alleged “premeditated attack” that involved extortion at a Sunshine Coast property.
The New South Wales Police Force State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad officers executed search warrants on Thursday morning, 5 June, across Sydney’s western suburbs as part of ongoing investigations into the incident at a Maroochydore property on 10 April.
Detective Inspector Chris Toohey said the arrests were the result of the dedication and exhaustive policing work undertaken by of all officers involved in this complex investigation.
“This has been a protracted investigation with close cooperation between specialist detectives and regional police, in conjunction with New South Wales Police Force, highlighting our officers’ unwavering commitment to solving this violent crime and seeing those responsible brought to justice,” he said.
“This was a serious, vicious and premeditated attack and this investigation outcome should serve as a strong warning criminal behaviour will not be tolerated.
“Our detectives have worked diligently, using every resource available to ensure we could bring this investigation to a close and ensure that those responsible face the full weight of the law.”
It will be alleged that on Thursday 10 April, a group of men forced their way into a Sixth Avenue unit complex, threatening a 27-year-old man and 29-year-old woman with violence and demanding a significant amount of money from the pair.
Five men left the unit a short time later, with two others remaining inside with the man and woman.
Police were notified following concerns raised for the pair, with specialist officers attending the property later that night, resulting in the man and woman being located.
Two men, aged 30, arrested inside the unit at the time have since been charged with one count each of deprivation of liberty and extortion with intent to gain benefit with threat of detriment.
Following information received as part of extensive investigations under Operation Xray Zale, detectives from the Sunshine Coast District Crime Group, travelled to Sydney last week to seek the extradition of a number of men, alleged to have been involved in the incident.
All four men, aged 27, 30, 30, 32, were extradited to Queensland on Friday and were set to face Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday 9 June.
A fifth man will be extradited at a later date due to unrelated medical issues.
