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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 However, in 2010, as the Australian branch of the syndicate started to unravel, Ayik fled the country. New Zealand's previous largest drug bust was in 2016, when 501kg of methamphetamine was seized in Northland, including 449kg. "Someone told me there was a story behind it, and then I sort of had an idea that that was the one that I vaguely remembered.". Had this shipment been distributed across New Zealand it would have caused immense harm to the vulnerable communities these criminal groups were preying upon.. 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". 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. 'It is our intention that they are looking over their shoulder,' he said. Criminals needed to know a criminal to get a device. 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. 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 was the biggest drug bust in WA history and a day law enforcement officers . Credit:Nine News. The app was invitation-only as of Tuesday morning - before the page was sensationally taken down and replaced with a warning by the FBI, Anom's Twitter account claimed the company was based in the famously neutral nation of Switzerland. We provided the technical capability to decrypt those messages,' he said. Video / Mike Scott. 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. 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"We believe the termination of these operations will have a significant impact on New Zealand's organised crime scene.". 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Inside the vehicle was a man and a woman and allegedly more than 30kg of deadly methylamphetamine. A joint investigation led to the largest ever interception of methamphetamine at the border. The fact they were duped into thinking a network was secure would send a message to others, he said. Weve got a newsletter for everyone. Milenkovski was remanded in custody until March 3, while Ozan was remanded until March 5. 'There's no doubt going to be some tension within the whole system about who owes what drug debt and so on. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on Tuesday. James Hall @James_P_Hall 3 min read November 23, 2021 - 7:18PM NCA NewsWire The drugs have a street value of more than $245 million, police said in a statement. It is being credited with catching underworld figures, mafia personalities and terror suspects planning not only major drug imports but cold blooded executions. 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. Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. "There will be a lot of organised criminals looking at how they're communicating over devices and wondering if they're next.". Police and Customs managed to intercept more than 600kg of methamphetamine at Auckland Airport. Hakan Ayik with a lingerie-clad companion.Credit: The goods were shipped from overseas to Australia's ports, where dodgy wharfies would turn a blind eye to the cargo for the right reward. 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. 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. Police are making good progress dismantling his alleged empire of organised crime. However, it seems few alleged criminals in the sights of law enforcement did a cursory Google search into the 'encrypted' phone and app platform. 'Andthese figures are likely to increaseover the coming days. 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. Users could buy phone handsets costing between $1,500 and $2,500 from what has been described as underground distributors. 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. At least one major gang hit back at police yesterday - labelling the operation a smear campaign. Credit:Nine News. 50kg of cocaine seized in 10-month police probe, suspected Colombian drug ring . Police commissioner Andrew Coster said some are also facing money laundering charges. 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. A police investigation would later reveal Micalizzi was a drug runner for the Comancheros, a middleman in an international drug syndicate led by Turkish-Australian gym junkie Hakan Ayik. Watch: Australian Police take down mafia, Comancheros in early morning raids and seize millions in cars, drugs and cash. Pasilika Naufahu and Connor . A 32-year-old Wynnum man charged with eight offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs serious - organised crime, two counts of possessing property having been used in connection with the commission of a drug offence, and four counts of supplying dangerous drugs. It was March 5, 2008. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on January 20. Dozens of people have been arrested after a police massive operation targeting alleged drug supply by outlaw bikie gangs. "It's a great day for New Zealand," Williams told the Herald. 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. The group is accused of transporting drugs into Queensland via heavy vehicles for distribution across the states southeast and central region. The Aztec landed at Jandakot Airport just before 4pm. 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. 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. Coster said Thursdays bust was a significant result by the National Organised Crime Group to combat community hard caused by meth. Information between the agencies led to the commencement of two local operations targeting drug and money-laundering offences. Pilots wondered why it sat there, rusting, and told tall stories about where it came from. For its encryption, it claimed to use 'OMEMO Double Ratchet Algorithm independently audited by Dutch security research group Radically Open Security'. 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. SEE THE MAP Brayden Heslehurst and Marcel Baum Trusted enough to keep an eye on Santos and ensure the safe delivery of the drugs, Judge Stevenson would describe Micalizzi's role as "likely to have not only included some financial reward but some relationship-building with those he was associated with". It is estimated the meth could have caused more than $500 million worth of social harm if sold into the community. The app AN0M was installed on mobile phones that were stripped of other capability. "WA police," a robust voice said firmly from the other side of the metal. Santos is eight years into a 15-year sentence and will tell anyone who listens he is innocent. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on January 20. From Whyalla they travelled to Forrest, a popular refuelling stop more than 1100km east of Perth, near the South Australian border. "This is a very significant bust - 7.5kg of amphetamines over a couple of months.". Five unexpected signs in your 20s and 30s you're at risk of developing heart disease later in life. "The users believed their Anom devices were protected from law enforcement by the shield of impenetrable encryption.". That may have been an in-joke - as all the supposedly self-destructing messages sent on the app was radically open to the Australian Federal Police to read. 'Enforce your right to privacy': This is how the ANoM website advertised its product - with users not realising that law enforcement officials could read each and every message. 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. '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. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. 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. Senior investigators describe Ayik as the 'principal distributor of the AN0M handset.' Ukraine soldiers shoot down enemy drones with drones of their own, Wheel of Fortune contestant answers food puzzle wrong, Pavement where disabled woman gestured at cyclist before fatal crash, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' 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. Regular chances to win incredible prizes like luxury getaways and sports tickets with our subscriber exclusive competitions. 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. 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. Wed, 16 June 2021 2:00AM The Comanchero Motorcycle Club New Zealand president feared he was about to be arrested eight months before a major police bust and also suspected police were bugging his phone, a jury has been told. Huge AFP bust has seen 4,000 cops storm Australia's underworld overnight . An Interpol red notice has also been for Ayik's arrest, who remains on the run from authorities. "They are establishing themselves here in WA.". But they're not okay. , updated But you know, this isn't over. "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. The arrests were made after 24 properties were. Santos claims he had no knowledge of any drugs being transported on the plane and maintains there was no forensic evidence linking him to the bag. As officers searched the black sports bag, they uncovered nearly $8 million worth of drugs. By Alana Mazzoni and Daniel Piotrowski and Kylie Stevens For Daily Mail Australia, Published: 01:08 GMT, 8 June 2021 | Updated: 16:10 GMT, 8 June 2021. 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. '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.'. Today's 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. The huge drug bust was uncovered when detectives from the drug and firearms squad pulled over a rented Winnebago near Kellerberrin on April 16. 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'. 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. More arrests are expected domestically and offshore under a coordinated global response connected to Operation Ironside. 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. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. We are still coming.'. 7NEWS can reveal the bust is linked to exiled bikie Mark Buddle of the Comancheros. Video / AFP It is being credited with catching underworld figures, mafia. Police will allege bikie gangs bought a share of drug importations for more than $1 million alongside other criminal groups. ANoM's website, which was only deleted about 10am on Tuesday, made the technology sound bulletproof. The catamaran was seized in Tauranga, where it remains in police custody. Subscribe to 7NEWS Australia for the latest news video https://7news.link/YTSubscribeConnect with Seven News onlineVisit https://7news.com.au7NEWS Podcast http://smarturl.it/7NewsDailyFacebook https://www.facebook.com/7NewsAustraliaTwitter https://twitter.com/7NewsAustraliaInstagram https://www.instagram.com/7newsaustralia/ 7NEWS combines the trusted and powerful news brands including Sunrise, The Morning Show, The Latest, and 7NEWS.com.au, delivering unique, engaging and continuous coverage on the issues that matter most to Australians. The app was accessed by entering a PIN number into the phone's calculator, the stuff of spy dramas. The gang members are alleged to have worked with offshore criminal entities to import large quantities of methamphetamine and MDMA which was distributed across New Zealand. 'Some of the best ideas come over a couple of beers.'. www.heraldsun.cohttps://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/how-operation-ironsides-an0m-sting-put-a-hole-in-bikie-gangs/news-story/02b33f401ffff4ec7c87546646fcc5c9. 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. A 33-year-old man from the Comanchero bikie gang was identified by police as the alleged principal offender who engaged in the trafficking and supply of drugs along with other associates. Twelve people, aged between 20 and 42, will appear in the Auckland District Court in the coming days on various drug related charges. Ninja Warrior 2017 contestant Sopiea Kong was among those arrested. 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! Officers from Strike Force . Mr Morrison said the AFP's covert mission was 'seeking to frustrate [the alleged criminals] in every link of the chain'. Highs-powered rifles were among the weapons seized. 23:02 EST 13 Nov 2021. Sitting at Acacia Prisons crowded visitor room, he says it all began with a phone call from a client looking for a plane ride from Bankstown, in Sydneys south-west, to Jandakot. 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. Nationwide News Pty Ltd 2023. 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. In October, 20,000 ecstasy pills known as pink Porsche, luxury vehicles, properties and illegal firearms were seized through Operation Cincinnati. Desperate drivers are taking to social media to buy and sell demerit points, risking eye-wateringly expensive fines in the process. The devices organically circulated and grew in popularity among criminals, who were confident of the legitimacy of the app because high-profile organised crime figures vouched for its integrity. Find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-out. Police have charged 224 alleged offenders with 525 charges, shut down six clandestine laboratories and acted on 21 threats to kill, including saving a family of five. Police and Customs managed to intercept more than 600kg of methamphetamine at Auckland Airport. Another nine were allegedly linked to the Rebels, eight to the Lone Wolf gang, and a handful linked to the Mongols, Finks, and Bandidos, News Corp reported. It reiterated the importance of transnational law enforcement partnerships "to dismantle organised crime groups and the enormous harm they cause to our communities". One man has also been charged with conspiring to import methamphetamine between January and March. 'He's (Ayik) essentially leveraged his position of trust in the underworld to push this platform and that's what generated its success. They claim to have disrupted those planned importations. 'It's like having The Rock (Dwayne Johnson) sponsoring your gym. In 2008, police busted $8 million worth of drugs in a light plane flying to Jandakot Airport from NSW, kick-starting the largest police operation in history. West Australian Newspapers Limited 2023. Now who the 16 people identified are, what they're charged with, and where they live can be revealed. Operation Ironside is justthe beginning and the AFP is livingup to our maximum of keepingAustralians safe.'. Pasilika Naufahu is on trial for drug, money laundering and organised crime charges. But the Daily Mail can reveal the entire elaborate sting was placed in jeopardy in late March, when an anonymous blogger sounded the alarm, labelling the platform a 'scam' which rerouted peoples' data through to the United States. Video / Leon Menzies. On Monday, more than 300 New Zealand police staff involved in the operation executed 37 search warrants across the North Island. 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. But until now, its role in one of the biggest law enforcement operations in Australian history has remained a mystery. 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. Then known as Joseph Hakan Ayik, the Sydney bikie associate and gym junkie fled Australia in 2010 to avoid arrest over a $230 million heroin importation. 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. Police have arrested 12 people, including senior members of the Comancheros and Rebels gangs, as part of an operation targeting the drug trade. 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. 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. But during his trial in the WA District Court, Judge Christopher Stevenson said the duo had played a "dangerous game of Russian Roulette" trying to incriminate each other, "the last refuge of a desperate man to avoid any criminal liability". 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. The Wednesday arrests include a leader of the Comancheros who allegedly formed a partnership with a senior member of the Rebels in Christchurch. That seizure was also allegedly tied to the Comancheros. An Interpol red notice has also been for Ayik's arrest, who remains on the run from authorities. 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? . What did do was send encrypted messages, photos and videos, using a foreign SIM card to apparently avoid Australian data snooping laws. They had taken 15 vacuum-sealed bags filled with 30,000 MDMA tablets and more than 20 plastic bags containing almost 22 kilograms of methylamphetamine off the streets and, although they did not know it at the time, they had kick-started one of the largest law enforcement operations in Australian history. 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