Three men have faced court charged with extortion and $150,000 worth of designer clothes and shoes have been seized by police during early-morning raids on three homes across Sydney’s west.
Police allege the three men extorted, robbed and threatened a 34-year-old man multiple times at his Tregear home between July 2020 and March 2021, and targeted him over an unpaid debt.
Detectives launched Strike Force Autos in July last year after the man reported an incident in October 2020 when he was allegedly lured to a Londonderry home and threatened by one of the men armed with a metal pipe.
Police claim a woman known to the man was also allegedly threatened with violence on several occasions, and a restored 1982 VH Holden Commodore and 2012 Harley Davidson V Rod motorcycle were stolen.
Both vehicles are yet to be recovered.
Strike Force officers first searched a home at Cypress Drive, Yarrawonga on January 24, where they seized a pistol, two rifles, a shotgun, various ammunition, cannabis and cash.
A 50-year-old man was charged with numerous firearm offences and remains before the courts.
Further investigations led police to execute a number of search warrants from 6am Tuesday at homes in Willmot, Cambridge Park, Mt Druitt and two properties at Ropes Crossing.
Sesita Lyswa, 28, was arrested at his Ropes Crossing home where police seized mobile phones and $5700 in cash.
They also found more than 100 pairs of designer shoes and other high-end clothing believed to be worth more than $150,000.
He was arrested and taken to Mt Druitt Police Station, where he was charged with stalk or intimidate intend fear physical harm, deal with property the proceeds of crime, and goods suspected stolen in or on a premises.
Mr Lyswa faced Mount Druitt Local Court on Tuesday, where he was refused bail.
Meanwhile, police were also searching the Cambridge Park home of 34-year-old Gavin McGaw.
He was arrested and taken to St Marys Police Station and charged with three counts of demand property in company with menaces with intent to steal, assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of others, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, and knowingly direct activities of a criminal group.
Mr McGaw faced Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, where he was refused bail, but will face Mt Druitt Local Court on April 13.
Stephen Pitovao, 34, was also arrested at his Ropes Crossing home on Tuesday and charged with two counts of demanding property in company with menace and intent to steal, and participating in a criminal group and contribute to criminal activity.
He also faced Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, where he was refused bail. He is due to appear at Mt Druitt Local Court on Thursday.
Investigations under Strike Force Autos are continuing.
