Police target car re-birthing syndicate

NSW Property Crime Squad detectives have continued investigations into an alleged syndicate involved in the re-birthing and export of stolen vehicles.

The investigations relate to a syndicate allegedly involved in the organised theft, dismantling, re-birthing, and exporting of stolen late-model motor vehicles overseas.

To date, police have seized stolen vehicles and parts valued at more than $1 million.

Strike Force Burindi was established to investigate the offences and comprises detectives from the Property Crime Squad, with assistance from the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and Victoria Police.

On Wednesday, 3 August, detectives executed a search warrant at a home at Fairfield East in Sydney, as part of on-going investigations into the alleged offences.

Documents and computers were seized during the execution of the warrant.

Detectives have also released vision of vehicles and parts seized on 21 June this year from a shipping container intercepted by Customs while en route to Beirut, Lebanon.

The shipping container was found to contain late-model 4WD motor vehicles, motor vehicle parts, panels and related components. Police will allege the vehicles and parts were being transported to the Middle East for use in the illegal motor vehicle market.

A four-wheel drive found in a container which was alleged
to be heading for exportation. (Photo: Police Media)

Previous investigations also include the execution of search warrants at two addresses in Fairfield East on 19 and 20 May this year.

A number of items were seized during the warrants in May, including a late-model 4WD, as well as motor vehicle parts, panels and other related components allegedly stolen in Sydney.

A 28-year-old Fairfield man was arrested and charged and is currently on bail to appear at Fairfield Local Court on 8 September.

Engines found as part of a police investigation into an
alleged car re-birthing syndicate. (Photo: Police Media)

NSW State Crime Command's Property Crime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Greig Newbery, said: "These investigations have been possible as a result of the joint efforts of NSW Police, Victoria Police and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.

"The State Crime Command's Property Crime Squad continues to work closely with industry representatives in an effort to tackle motor vehicle re-birthing.

"Investigations are continuing and we encourage anyone with information about car re-birthing to contact police."

In a separate indicent, police are investigating a possible car rebirthing operation after seizing seven vehicles and numerous vehicle parts during a raid in Sydney's south-west.

The Campbelltown Proactive Team has been conducting extensive investigations into stolen vehicles and on Tuesday executed a search warrant at a house and shed in Lysaght Road, Wedderburn.

Officers will allege they located a stolen truck, three stolen cars and three motorcycles suspected of being stolen, as well as numerous vehicle parts and tools.

Two men, aged 26 and 50, were placed under arrest and taken to Campbelltown Police Station.

Both men have been granted conditional bail to appear at Campbelltown Local Court on the 25 August.

Investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information about car re-birthing or related vehicle crime is urged to contact detectives via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.