VIC: New syndicate moves into Mokbel's territory

AAP General News (Australia)
02-11-2008
VIC: New syndicate moves into Mokbel's territory

MELBOURNE, Feb 11 AAP - A new organised crime syndicate is taking over the territory
vacated by the drug cartel operated by Tony Mokbel.

Fairfax reports today Victorian police have set up a new taskforce, codenamed Lased,
that is working to link the Lebanese crime cell with incidents across Melbourne's north
in the past two years.

Their offences include drug trafficking, shootings, bribery, abduction, the intimidation
of witnesses and attempted murder.

Its members, a father and three sons supported by subordinates, have studied law enforcement
tactics, can launder money and have tried to bribe officials and intimidate police, Fairfax
reported.

The taskforce is made up of detectives from the crime department and others based at
Broadmeadows.

"They are absolutely out of control," a detective told Fairfax.

The taskforce was established when frightened witnesses refused to assist police.

One, a woman, was threatened, and every window on her house smashed, police said.

In another incident, a pedestrian who "looked the wrong way" was fired at by a member
of the syndicate.

The pedestrian was not hit, nor was a bound victim police believe shots were fired
next to in a torture room in a house the group used.

Police have seized drugs and seven firearms but say the syndicate has ready access to guns.

The Australian Crime Commission, the Purana gangland taskforce and the Australian Taxation
Office will assist Lased.

Despite some arrests, the group continues to operate, but Detective Acting Superintendent
Phil Swindells told Fairfax: "We hope that a number of witnesses who have been reluctant
to come forward previously will co-operate now that we have made some significant arrests.

"We will be able to provide support for any witnesses who do come forward."

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