Police charge three men for alleged role in ‘muscle gang’

Police today charged three men over their alleged role as a “freelance gang” hired to carry out shootings, home invasions and kidnappings in Sydney’s south-west.

Two 20-year-old men from Fairfield West and Mt Druitt and an 18-year-old man from Lakemba were arrested during house raids yesterday morning.

During the search, detectives reportedly found and seized a quantity of the drug ketamine, electronic devices, knives and other weapons, as well as cash and items believed to have been stolen during a home invasion and kidnapping in Edmonson Park on August 14.

Police also suspect one of the men was involved in a shooting in a public place in Austral on July 25, 2024, in which at least 9 shots were fired.

The arrests came after New South Wales police established Strike Force Currambene to investigate organised criminal activity, including shootings, home invasions, kidnappings and drug trafficking, allegedly carried out by a group hired by criminal networks.

The three men have been charged with a range of offences, including possession of dangerous weapons, kidnapping, drug possession, burglary and participating in a criminal gang.

Police suspect the Fairfield West man led the gang and took on tasks from organised crime networks.

The three men were denied bail and were due to appear in court yesterday.

The investigation by detectives is still ongoing.