Major Organised Crime Syndicate Dismantled In Australia’s History

The New South Wales (NSW) Police has announced the successful dismantling of one of Australia’s most powerful organised crime syndicates. 

The year-long investigation, operated by Strike Force Tromperie, a unit within NSW Police’s State Crime Command, focused on an underworld network originating from Lebanon. 

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With assistance from the Australian Border Force, the operation resulted in 28 arrests and the disruption of a criminal enterprise linked to the alleged movement of over $1 billion involving guns, drugs, tobacco, and money laundering.

During a series of coordinated raids at 37 properties across Sydney, officers seized a substantial haul, including two tonnes of drugs and precursors, 25 firearms (including five pistols), 60 encrypted devices, large sums of cash, designer jewellery, and luxury cars. 

The operation targeted the syndicate’s involvement in various criminal activities, ranging from drug trafficking to violent acts and large-scale financial transactions facilitated by cryptocurrency.

Nedal Haouchar, the brother of Bilal Haouchar, has been considered one of the state’s most wanted individuals. 

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner David Hudson said authorities are awaiting confirmation of the 37-year-old’s arrest from the Australian Federal Police.

“We believe the 37-year-old has been taken into custody in Lebanon and we will work through that detail throughout the day.”

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities expecting additional charges to be laid as they continue to break down the complexities of the criminal network’s operations.

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