Thi Kim Tran: Man charged over alleged gang-linked murder, kidnapping of Bankstown woman

Detectives have charged a man over the alleged kidnapping and murder of Sydney mother Thi Kim Tran, whose body was found in a burnt-out car in Beverly Hills earlier this year.

The 45-year-old was allegedly targeted by an organised criminal network linked to her partner before being snatched from her Bankstown home late on April 17.

Just after 10.30pm, a group of armed intruders stormed the Edward Street property, where Ms Tran was home alone with her two children. Police allege the men stripped her in front of the frightened children before forcing her into an SUV.

During the attack, her eight-year-old son was struck in the head with a baseball bat and left bleeding in the driveway. He was treated by paramedics before being rushed to hospital with serious injuries and placed in an induced coma, 7 News reported.

A 15-year-old boy at home was also taken to the hospital for assessment.

About an hour later, emergency services were called to Welfare Avenue in Beverly Hills, where firefighters found a torched vehicle. Ms Tran’s body was discovered inside.

A crime scene was established at both locations, with homicide detectives forming Strike Force Bushfield to investigate. Police believe the attack stemmed from her partner’s alleged drug debt to a Victorian cartel.

Following months of inquiries, Homicide Squad detectives and Raptor Squad officers executed a search warrant at a Bankstown unit on Thursday morning, arresting a 29-year-old man.

He was taken to Bankstown Police Station and charged with murder and wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Police will allege he played a key role in facilitating Ms Tran’s abduction and death, and in the assault on the young boy.

The man was refused bail and is due to face Bankstown Local Court on Friday.

Strike Force Bushfield investigations are continuing.

More to come...