Rich ‘Dylan’ Choup: Manhunt for ‘contract crew’ over alleged murder, torture and kidnappings

The last moments of a man later found brutally murdered have been captured on CCTV, released by police investigating a ‘contract crew’ believed to be behind six-days of violent carnage.

Rich ‘Dylan’ Choup, whose body was found with a gunshot wound and his ear severed by trail bikers in August 2024, can be seen being slapped in the face in a chilling confrontation with an unknown man.

Police believe the father is one of at least three victims of a violent gang of offenders with links to a Victorian drug trafficking syndicate whose reign of terror spanned two states.

Strike Force Hallet, set up to investigate Mr Choup’s death, is also investigating the kidnapping and torture of a man in Canley Vale, and the attempted murder of another man in Queensland.

Vision of multiple men, including of one who was shot through his eye and buried, various cars and even a box cutter was released on Monday as police try to hunt down those responsible.

Ear severed in torture ordeal

Police believe a 31-year-old man was tortured and had part of his ear severed after he was kidnapped from south west Sydney on July 19, 2024

“Although the incident was not reported to police, detectives executed a crime scene warrant on Thursday 10 October 2024 at a Canley Vale property where the man is believed to have been held,” a police statement read.

“During the search, police located a box cutter which was seized for further forensic analysis.”

Police have released an image of the boxcutter they believe was used in the torture incident and CCTV of two vehicles captured on CCTV driving in convoy at the intersection of Freeman Avenue and Sackville Street in Canley Vale around the time of the incident.

The vehicles are described as a dark-coloured Audi SQ2 and a white Volkswagen Golf.

Shot in the eye and buried alive

A 23-year-old man was found with a gunshot wound to his eye, with the bullet lodged in his brain.

The alarm was raised about 5am on July 21, 2024 after the man, covered in dirt, stumbled into a service station in Jimboomba, about an hour north east of the Gold Coast.

The man had asked staff not to call emergency services but collapsed shortly after, prompting them to seek help.

Police believe the man was shot and buried, with those responsible likely unaware he crawled out of his shallow grave to seek help a short time later.

As investigations continue, police have released CCTV of a white Hyundai Getz seen at a roadhouse in Nambucca on the Mid North Coast about 5.30am on 20 July, 2024 – the day before the attempted murder.

Four male passengers are captured on CCTV, one is believed to be the victim, leading police to believe he may have been picked up in NSW and driven to Queensland where his attempted murder took place.

Last moments of murdered dad

Mr Choup was last seen about 6.10pm on July 25, 2024 in Cabramatta. He had told friends he was going to a meeting and asked friends to stay nearby.

About 6.25pm, CCTV captured Mr Choup meeting with a man on Railway Parade, who appeared to reprimand and slap him.

Both men are then seen walking towards a grey Audi SQ2.

As inquiries continue, police have released CCTV of the grey Audi SQ2, possibly the same vehicle used in the kidnapping in Canley Vale a week earlier.

Detectives have also released CCTV of a white Lexus and white Audi RS3.

Police say two males captured in the CCTV, seen allegedly moving the vehicles before and after Mr Choup’s disappearance are also wanted for questioning.

Anyone with information about the vehicles or the men in the CCTV are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.