Raptor Squad foils elaborate kidnapping plot: Seizes masks, guns, cuffs in Sydney’s western suburbs

In a bust to rival a Hollywood production, one of the nation’s elite police squads have brought down a group set to perform a kidnapping in Sydney’s western suburbs.

Elaborate rubber masks, guns, baseball bats and GPS trackers were all part of the equipment used as three men conspired in the scheme to, allegedly, potentially kidnap a man.

The Raptor Squad have charged the three offenders after uncovering the alleged kidnapping conspiracy.

On Thursday February 27, 2025, officers spotted three men wearing balaclavas running from a car in North Parramatta.

A 30-year-old was arrested at the scene, and a 34-year-old was arrested nearby appearing to attempt to wipe down another car.

During a search of the car, police located mobile phones, duct tape, flexi cuffs and a baseball bat.

Both men were taken to Parramatta Police Station and the younger man was charged with breach of bail. The older man was charged with hinding the discovery of evidence involved in a serious indictable offence.

The pair were refused bail to appear in Parramatta Local Court the next day as police continued inquiries into their involvement into the kidnapping conspiracy.

The matter was then referred to the Raptor Squad who commenced a strike force to take over the investigation.

Detectives identified a 36-year-old Carlingford man they believed was the target of the kidnapping conspiracy, and when police spoke to him they located a GPS tracker on his car.

Two locations were then identified, one in May Hills, which police will allege was the proposed staging location for the kidnapping, and the other in Homebush, which police will allege was going to be used by the conspirators to hold the victim during the kidnapping.

On Tuesday March 11, 2025, officers executed a search warrant at the Mays Hill address where they located disposable gloves, duct tape, cable ties and packaging for a GPS tracker.

Following further inquiries officers executed a search warrant at a unit in Bankstown on Tuesday.

At that location, a 36-year-old man resisted arrest before alleging attempting to throw two firearms over the balcony of the apartment. During a further search police then also seized gloves and a mask.

The man was arrested and taken to hospital for injuries sustained during the arrest, before he was taken to Bankstown Police Station where he was charged with 19 offences relating to the conspiracy and firearms.

He was refused bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court yesterday.

Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.