Operation Hoffman, a sting designed by Australia's most secretive and powerful law enforcement agency, the Australian Crime Commission, would topple a billion-dollar empire extending across two continents and send a drug lord into hiding. 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. "This is a very significant bust - 7.5kg of amphetamines over a couple of months.". It is estimated the drugs would have caused over $500 million worth of social harm, as per drug harm index figures, Coster added. Police have charged 224 alleged offenders with 525 charges, shut down six clandestine laboratories and acted on 21 threats to kill, Pictured: one man accused of participating in the syndicate sits on his bed after being raided by AFP officers, A luxury Audi sedan seized by the AFP as part of their joint investigation with the U.S. FBI, The bust exposed new details about how one of Australia's most wanted fugitives gave police extensive access to the world's criminal underworld. Police said they had seized drugs some of which had been packaged ready for sale along with more than $200,000 in cash and a shotgun. 7NEWS can reveal the bust is linked to exiled bikie Mark Buddle of the Comancheros.Police are making good progress dismantling his alleged empire of organised crime. Kong, who was also allegedly in possession of $2,030 cash and a revolver, was granted bail and will appear in court on June 28. 'Illicit drug use ruins lives and fuels organised crime.'. ANoM's website, which was only deleted about 10am on Tuesday, made the technology sound bulletproof. 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". Because with the pandemic situation constantly changing, its easy for misinformation and rumours to take hold. Coster thanked Customs for its exceptional profiling of shipments from high-risk countries. The arrests include three sergeants-at-arms, a club president, and other office bearers. Police are making good progress dismantling his alleged empire of organised crime. Now who the 16 people identified are, what they're charged with, and where they live can be revealed. "It must have been then," the now-49-year-old said. READ MORE: * 20,000 ecstasy pills and Ferrari seized in major police bust in Auckland. Police watched in real time as alleged crooks spilled their secrets to one another on their own app. A 24-year-old Mount Gravatt East man charged with 17 offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs - serious organised crime, six counts of supplying dangerous drugs and one count of receiving or possessing property obtained from trafficking or supplying. At least one major gang hit back at police yesterday - labelling the operation a smear campaign. The uniformed police found the drugs hidden under a pillowcase in the black sports bag Micalizzi had brought with him. www.heraldsun.cohttps://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/how-operation-ironsides-an0m-sting-put-a-hole-in-bikie-gangs/news-story/02b33f401ffff4ec7c87546646fcc5c9. James Hall @James_P_Hall 3 min read November 23, 2021 - 7:18PM NCA NewsWire He invested his proceeds of crime in hotel and resort developments while living a lavish lifestyle that extended to flashy cars and private yachts. 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. The Comancheros are participants in the United Motorcycle Council of NSW, which convened a conference in 2009 to address legislation aimed against the "bikie" clubs, their poor public image in the wake of several violent clashes and ongoing biker wars, and defusing deadly feuds such as the Comancheros' battles with the Hells Angels. A 37-year-old Holland Park West man charged with 14 offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs - serious organised crime and one count of trafficking in dangerous drugs. It was mostly unknown clients like the one bound for Jandakot who had booked the trips. Find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-out. Members of the Rebels gang have been arrested after police searched 24 properties on Wednesday. '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. Wednesdays search warrants marked the second termination phase of Operation Cincinnati, which saw 26 people arrested and kilos of drugs, multiple firearms and more than $10 million in assets seized in October. Pictured: ammunition seized by police, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the AFP operation, known as Operation Ironside, had struck a 'heavy blow' against criminals, Hakan Ayik (pictured) gave police extensive access to the world's criminal underworld throughencrypted communications app AN0M. Organised crime evolving 'rapidly' in NZ as borders become 'porous' to illicit trade - NZ Heral Gangs and guns: Police unveil operation targeting firearms and organised crime - NZ Herald. The group is accused of transporting drugs into Queensland via heavy vehicles for distribution across the states southeast and central region. (Supplied) abc.net.au/news/adf-sniper-bikie-boss-joshua-faulkhead-jailed-drugs-charges/6849724 A former Australian Defence Force (ADF) sniper who headed the drug trade in Victoria's Mildura region as a Comancheros bikie boss has been sentenced to nine years and five months in jail. 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. Bi was released on $400,000 bail to reappear on March 26. 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. 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. The country's Federal Police released pictures of the wealth, firepower and even taste in gangster movies of those arrested during sweeping raids across the country, the U.S., Britain andwider Europe after the alleged criminals were covertly monitored for three years using an encrypted communication app called 'AN0M'. 22:54 EST 13 Nov 2021 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 We will abolish superannuation tax: Shadow treasurer, Bankman-Fried can have flip phone on bail, US proposes, Woman charged over pursuit through suburbs in stolen ute, Man to face court over death of teenage motocyclist, NSWs new hired gun in heist on WAs hard-earned GST cash, Victoria to dump minor offence reverse-onus bail test. They paid for the fuel and he built up his hours. Faulkhead was arrested with five other men in January 2014 after large-scale drug raids in the Mildura region. The shipment of 613 kilograms of methamphetamine was intercepted by police and Customs at Auckland Airport on Thursday. Led by the FBI, and co-ordinated with the US Drug Enforcement Agency, Australian Federal Police, Europol and other law enforcement partners from more than a dozen countries, the covert operation involved investigators infiltrating encrypted devices used by transnational criminals. The arrests and seizures were part of Operation Baystone, which began after 2.7kg of methamphetamine was found in the Perth suburb of Stirling in December last year. Nine other men conjointly charged with trafficking include: Police are hunting for the vehicle involved in a hit and run incident that left an 18-year-old in a critical condition. 3 Dec, . About $500,000 in cash was located during the search warrants, along with a number of illegal firearms, including three pistols, police said. The Aztec landed at Jandakot Airport just before 4pm. Be part of our story, and help us tell yours. More than 800 suspected criminals have been arrested worldwide after being tricked into using an FBI-run encrypted messaging app, officials say. 'The operation puts Australia at the forefront of the fight against criminals who peddle in human misery and ultimately, it will keep our communities and Australians safe,' he said on Tuesday. Alleged crooks even paid six-monthly subscription fees to the police - the money only further reinforcing law enforcement methods. 'Andthese figures are likely to increaseover the coming days. 'We're bearing down upon them. Dozens of people have been arrested after a police massive operation targeting alleged drug supply by outlaw bikie gangs. 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. 7NEWS can reveal the bust is linked to exiled bikie Mark Buddle of the Comancheros. However, it seems few alleged criminals in the sights of law enforcement did a cursory Google search into the 'encrypted' phone and app platform. 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. Ninja Warrior 2017 contestant Sopiea Kong was among those arrested. Nationwide News Pty Ltd 2023. Highs-powered rifles were among the weapons seized. If Stuff is a regular part of your day, please consider becoming a supporter. Personal trainer, 22, describes what working in the fitness industry is like when you're curvy - and why Jon Jones vs Ciryl Gane - UFC 285 LIVE: Follow all the action from main card ahead of HUGE heavyweight PETER HITCHENS: Now we know for sure that our leaders lost their heads over Covid. Acting Detective Inspector John Brunton outlines a major police operation targeting MDMA distribution (Video first published on October 29, 2020). Find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-out. "We are an area that is very rich at present - a great area for organised crime to come and focus on," Supt Migro said. Video / Mike Scott. A joint investigation led to the largest ever interception of methamphetamine at the border. Were working to restore it. Watch: Australian Police take down mafia, Comancheros in early morning raids and seize millions in cars, drugs and cash. New Zealand authorities have also arrested 35 people for alleged drug dealing and money laundering, seizing some $NZ3.7 million ($A3.4 million) in assets. Three years ago, Australia Federal Policeidentified Ayik as a key influencer to successfully distribute the encrypted AN0M devices due to his high status in the criminal underworld. 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. 'Essentially, they have handcuffed each other by endorsing and trusting AN0M and openly communicating on it not knowing we were watching the entire time.'. Further enquiries into the intercepted meth over the last few days saw several search warrants being carried out across south Auckland on Tuesday evening, resulting in the arrest of six people aged between 27 and 36. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on Tuesday. A further 10 gang members and their associates have also been arrested in relation to their alleged roles in the network, which saw drugs and cash transported between the two cities, police said. In October, 20,000 ecstasy pills known as pink Porsche, luxury vehicles, properties and illegal firearms were seized through Operation Cincinnati. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook Credit:Nine News. The next few months after the bust, investigators from the Australian Crime Commission infiltrated international money-laundering streams and exposed Ayik's drug empire. At least 35 people were arrested who appeared yesterday in Auckland and Hamilton district courts facing nearly 1000 separate drug dealing and money laundering charges. From Whyalla they travelled to Forrest, a popular refuelling stop more than 1100km east of Perth, near the South Australian border. This is along way from over.'. The plane that spurred the downfall of one of Australia's largest drug syndicates was sold at auction in May. A further 10 gang members and their associates have also been arrested in relation to their alleged roles in the network, which saw drugs and cash transported between the two cities, police said in a statement. 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. 51K views, 164 likes, 10 loves, 53 comments, 86 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from 7NEWS Sydney: 7NEWS can reveal the bust is linked to exiled bikie Mark Buddle of the Comancheros. Regular chances to win incredible prizes like luxury getaways and sports tickets with our subscriber exclusive competitions. Video / AFP It is being credited with catching underworld figures, mafia. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on December 6. 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. Steve Milenkovski, 32, of Tuart Hill, Yavuz Ozan, 31, of Kogarah, NSW, and Hao Bi, 26, of East Perth, appeared in East Perth Magistrates Court charged with a range of offences related to the overnight raid. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. It was a 30-plus degree summer day and, although a cyclone was gravitating towards Western Australia's northern coast, not a gust of wind was blowing at the strip. UN states finally agree deal to protect high seas. Only five per cent of encrypted messages sent by criminals in Australia use the Anom platform - but Mr Morrison said suspects will now be living in fear ahead of further sting operations. The 1970s Aztec Piper no longer sits at Jandakot Airport. Members of the Comancheros linked to the alleged conspiracy are among those arrested this week. 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. He is due to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on December 12. 'I have amessage for the criminals targetingAustralia and Australia's interests- the AFP will be relentless,' Mr Kershaw said. Pilots wondered why it sat there, rusting, and told tall stories about where it came from. Please try again later. New Zealand Customs staff, Armed Offenders Squad members, Asset Recovery Unit and Police Dog Section staff assisted police with the searches. But youknow, this isn't over. A scuffed copy of the Koran. Police searched 21 properties across Auckland and three in Christchurch. Comancheros: Major Queensland bikie bust nets 42 arrests, $2m in drugs and property 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. Officers from Strike Force Garlow found $3 million worth of methylamphetamine at a dilapidated drug lab on a rural property in Kulnura and arrested 2 men aged 48 and 35 who were allegedly making the drug ice and dealing in the proceeds of crime.Police also seized methylamphetamine oil, more than 20kg of precursor chemicals, drug manufacturing equipment and $220,000 in cash.It's understood the drugs were being made under an agreement between the Nomads and Comancheros. Murdaugh is heckled as he leaves court, Missing hiker buried under snow forces arm out to wave to helicopter, Incredible footage of Ukrainian soldiers fighting Russians in Bakhmut, Fleet-footed cop chases an offender riding a scooter, Two Russian tanks annihilated with bombs by Ukrainian armed forces, Isabel Oakeshott clashes with Nick Robinson over Hancock texts, Dozens stuck in car park as staff refuses to open gate for woman, Insane moment river of rocks falls onto Malibu Canyon in CA. We want to reduce the harm these gangs are causing in our communities, he said. The arrests were made after 24 properties were searched on Wednesday 21 throughout the wider Auckland area, and three in Christchurch. The Australian Federal Police announced on Tuesday that it had seized 3.7 tonnes of drugs, 104 weapons and almost $45million in cash as part of the operation - which was three years in the making. Kylie Stevens For Daily Mail Australia 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. 'The FBI had the lead on this. Mr Morrison said the AFP's covert mission was 'seeking to frustrate [the alleged criminals] in every link of the chain'. 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! 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. Two shotguns and ammunition were also found. 'He's (Ayik) essentially leveraged his position of trust in the underworld to push this platform and that's what generated its success. All times AEDT (GMT +11). A 41-year-old Gaven man charged with 11 offences including two counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs - serious organised crime and eight counts of supplying dangerous drugs. Insane Throttle Support Club Become a memberNow, Insane Throttle/Motorcycle Madhouse Radio YouTube and AudioDisclaimer, Meet the Insane Throttle Contributing Columnist James Hollywood Macecari, Motorcycle Clubs Riding Clubs and Associations Near Me Index &Listings, Our Policies here at Insane Throttle Publications. But its best feature - and for most of its users, the worst - wasn't promoted in its marketing material. He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on January 20. Further charges against more people have not been ruled out. Ayik is wanted in several countries, including Australia, where he is listed as one of NSW's most wanted criminals. A man shot dead during the horrific Wieambilla terror attack has been posthumously bestowed the highest honour. The gang vessel was seized during the searches, along with a cache of drugs, luxury vehicles and cash. A 10-month investigation targeting an alleged bikie network in Brisbane connected to the notorious Comanchero gang has led to the arrest of 42 people on nearly 430 charges and the seizure of nearly $2m in drugs, cash and property. Micalizzi, who claimed he was threatened into flying to Perth by Oz and Bowa over a $20,000 drug debt and had no knowledge of the drugs, would later say he "took a gamble in court". "Turn the engine off and get out of the aircraft.". He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on January 20. He had done the trip a handful of times before. We provided the technical capability to decrypt those messages,' he said. Where 16 people charged and identified as part of Operation Tango Citron live An alleged drug syndicate believed to have links to a notorious bikie gang was dismantled by police in a massive drug bust. Meth bust: Airport baggage handlers smuggle 250kg this year . "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. Nationwide News Pty Ltd 2023. 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. Police said they were both running drug distribution networks in their cities. Four men arrested in New Zealand's biggest drug bust have . Police said the nine-month investigation, run by the National Organised Crime Group, targeted a core group that are alleged to be involved in the importation, distribution and manufacture of methamphetamine and MDMA, and other drugs in the two cities. 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. New Zealand's previous largest drug bust was in 2016, when 501kg of methamphetamine was seized in Northland, including 449kg. LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) Dozens of people were arrested, and more than 5,000 pounds of methamphetamine and nearly $16 million was seized in the Southern California area amid a nationwide operation . If you value facts and being well-informed, please consider supporting Stuff. 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. Australia's biggest ever police bust used encrypted app to intercept messages Alleged bikies and associates make up a third of 303 Operation Ironside arrests Hardest hit gang were the Comancheros . It could only send messages to another device that had the organised crime app. It was the biggest drug bust in WA history and a day law enforcement officers would remember for years to come. 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. But the ANoM phones were actually designed by the FBI and allowed Australian police to read the texts of organised crime figures. Stuffs ethical reporting is built on accuracy, fairness and balance. For years, it sat on the tarmac at a general airport 20 kilometres south of Perth. READ MORE: * Duo jailed after Customs' largest-ever seizure of methamphetamine * Ninety Mile beach meth bust: Police ID kingpins behind massive drug haul * Ninety Mile Beach meth importing trial: Guilty verdicts for both accused. Huge AFP bust has seen 4,000 cops storm Australia's underworld overnight . The near year-long operation came to a climax on Sunday and Monday when detectives swarmed on multiple properties across Broadbeach Waters, Gaven, Tamborine, Rochdale, Steiglitz, Cleveland, Holland Park, Capalaba, Caboolture, Mount Nathan and Rockhampton. More than a decade later after the sting, drugs continue to slip across Australia's borders from overseas, as the nation's drug users consume more than four tonnes of cocaine every year. You can make a contribution from as little as $1. A police investigation into the bust later uncovered more than 100 messages and calls between Micalizzi and two syndicate figures named 'Oz' and 'Bowa', a fake NSW driver's licence, three mobile numbers registered under false names and $9000 in cash. Police seized almost $2m in drugs and property after raids on a Comancheros bikie gang drug trafficking syndicate. As the plane finally stopped on the apron, the Lycoming O-540 engines idling away, he heard a knock on the door. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the AFP operation, known as Operation Ironside, had struck a 'heavy blow' against organised crime. New Zealand investigators monitored thousands of messages made on 57 encrypted criminal devices. His associates would readily take his word for it,' an AFP investigator added. It reiterated the importance of transnational law enforcement partnerships "to dismantle organised crime groups and the enormous harm they cause to our communities". Throughout the covert operation, detectives allegedly uncovered murder plots, gun distribution, and mass drug trafficking, with mafia bosses, bikies, and reality TV stars arrested and charged. A 33-year-old Tarragindi man charged with 25 offences including three counts of trafficking in dangerous drugs - serious organised crime, eight counts of supplying dangerous drugs and weapon offences. 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. Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said Operation Trojan Shield would have an unprecedented impact on organised crime syndicates across the globe. Five unexpected signs in your 20s and 30s you're at risk of developing heart disease later in life. WEST Australian police have arrested the WA president of the Comanchero bikie gang and three associates after seizing 5.2kg of methamphetamine in a joint operation with NSW police. Comancheros in WA: New details emerge about drug bust which led to arrest of former member Mohammed Oueida. 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. 'And it isour intention that they are lookingover their shoulder, because our law enforcement agencies and thepartnerships we have around theworld are bearing down upon them,' he said. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has seized approximately one million pills laced with fentanyl allegedly linked to the Sinaloa Cartel in what authorities say is the biggest bust for . A luxury Ducati motorcycle, Audi sedan, Rolex watches, ammunition, bullet-proof vests, firearms and even memorabilia from the 1972 cult classic The Godfather was seized from a number of properties. White is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on January 20, while his co-accused, also alleged members of the Comancheros gang, have been charged with varying other offences. He is due to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on November 22. IF YOU VALUE YOUR PRIVACY & SAFETY'. Another operation spawned out of Trojan Shield was Operation Equinox, which targeted member of Waikato Comancheros and Waikato Mongrel Mob Kingdom. 'Some of the best ideas come over a couple of beers.'. Nearly 9kg of meth had also been seized at the border during the course of investigations linked to the joint operation. , started in 2018 with a fake encrypted communication app developed in partnership with the FBI. 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". He is due to appear in Cleveland Magistrates Court on Tuesday.