Army pilot took 'evasive action' before fatal crash

How teens are recruited as players in Sydney's gangland war

ABC News

5 hours ago

ABC News

How teens are recruited as players in Sydney's gangland war

The phone buzzes with a job offer in an encrypted group chat full of young men. But it's not about repainting a house or mowing lawns, the person on the other end is looking for a hit-man. Police say they are now grappling with guns for hire in Sydney being recruited online getting younger and younger. Often, the teens do not know who is making the offer on behalf of the organised crime group paying them to shoot, kidnap and firebomb the properties of underworld rivals. Other jobs include stealing a potential getaway car and staging it in a nearby location for the gunmen to make their escape from the scene. In the most recent iteration of the city's gangland war, those recruited by warring crime gangs "for literally nothing" are juveniles lured by meagre sums of money, one police source noted. In the most recent attempt to take out an underworld figure on Monday in Auburn, police suspect the gunmen hired to shoot Samimjan Azari were recruited in a similar method. But as Taskforce Falcon Commander Jason Box said after a 16-year-old was charged with torching a barbershop in Merrylands, the consequences for those involved can go beyond the court system. "You're associating with serious organised crime networks and committing offences against them," Superintendent Box said. "The repercussions for their actions in the courts is one consideration, but there's also repercussions from the persons they're targeting from the organised crime networks. Superintendent Box said the owner of the torched barbershop has links to the Alameddine crime family, whose internal feud, police believe, is behind an explosion in underworld violence. The Alameddines are a Western Sydney family who police allege are one of the biggest crime gangs currently involved in the city's lucrative drug trade. Taskforce Falcon, headed up by Superintendent Box, was established last month after the internal feud saw Dawood Zakaria killed while sitting at traffic lights in Granville. Mr Zakaria was a member of the splintering Alameddine clan, though the hitmen's target was believed to be Samimjan Azari, who survived the attack in the back seat. Mr Azari this week survived the brazen fourth attempt to kill him this year when masked gunmen stormed the Auburn kebab shop he was in about 1pm on Monday. Police believe those responsible for picking up the offers to steal getaway cars and commit arson attacks are being recruited on encrypted group chats like Signal in a new marketplace for criminals for hire. "We believe [the recruitment] is from social media, encrypted devices and word of mouth," Superintendent Box said after they charged the teenager over the Merrylands firebombing. One day after forming on May 27, Taskforce Falcon charged another 16-year-old boy over allegedly staging a stolen "kill car" with jerry can of fuel, a balaclava and two guns inside. The items are consistent with getaway cars often found burnt-out in the aftermath of the dozens of underworld killings Sydney has experienced since 2020. A few days later a 17-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy were charged with stealing a car in Lidcombe. Jerry cans of fuel were found inside. Later that same day they also arrested another 15-year-old boy who they allege fled the scene after the stolen car, a Toyota HiLux, was stopped during a random patrol. In the botched attempt to shoot alleged Alameddine crime boss Ali Elmoubayed at his Merrylands home on June 12 police are investigating what role two teens may have had. The pair, both 17, were arrested after allegedly driving a stolen Ford Territory erratically in Greystanes in the aftermath of the shooting. Inside police said they located balaclavas, cans of fuel, bleach and knives. One of the teenagers — believed to have been a passenger in the alleged stolen vehicle — pleaded not guilty when he appeared in court and was granted conditional bail. His lawyer told the court it was the first court matter on his record and his first interaction with police. The lawyer expressed "extreme concerns" about the prosecution case against him, including that there was no assertion he was driving the car, or that the knife was his. All the teenagers who have been charged by Taskforce Falcon remain before the Childrens Court. Three adults have been charged over the shooting on Mr Elmoubayed's home, which forced him to leave over fears for his life. Former NSW Police officer Peter Moroney spent 18 years on the force, for most of those years he was chasing the worst of the worst. Mr Moroney could see similarities in how the teens are being lured into the underworld with his days tracking terrorists and how they recruited young extremists. "In terms of how [the children] are getting involved a lot of the time in disadvantaged areas when they're coming from broken homes they're looking for a sense of belonging," he said. "And these gangs offer that. But if a couple of kids get caught in the crossfire they don't give a rat's arse. "If they get a cleanskin to do it with no criminal record it's less likely to tie back to them. "But you have seen how their work is sloppy, back in the day they would have paid a lot of money, flown a hitman in and [the target] would be dead by now."

Cattle, cars and missing gold bars: How a life of luxury collapsed into bankruptcy

The Age

8 hours ago

The Age

Cattle, cars and missing gold bars: How a life of luxury collapsed into bankruptcy

In the late summer of 2017, Melbourne-based investor Craig Astill ventured to the Northern Territory to spend a few days at Aileron Station, a major cattle farm sprawling over a million acres just 130 kilometres from Alice Springs. During the trip, the 54-year-old marvelled over the farm's oasis-like vista: bright-green grass and brimming dams set against the backdrop of Central Australia's endless red dust desert. Astill's investment firm, Caason Group, had acquired the significant property two years earlier for an undisclosed sum. While Caason Group, founded by Astill in 1999, held a diverse portfolio – from telecommunications to mining to fintech – there was no doubt Aileron Station was its crown jewel. So much so that in 2021, Astill led the purchase of neighbouring hay farm Oolloo Farm for $6.1 million. The spoils of Caason Group's success over its 26-year lifespan afforded Astill and his family a life of opulence. He vacationed in beachfront villas in the Maldives and carved turns on the Val d'Isère slopes of the French Alps. He showcased renovations of a multimillion-dollar home and was known to drive luxury cars through the streets of Melbourne's affluent inner-east suburbs. Astill couldn't know it during that 2017 trip up north, but lenders would eventually seize possession of the Aileron and Oolloo farms, selling them to rich-lister Charlie Shahin. It was an event dubbed by sources unable to speak publicly as the beginning of the end for Caason Group and Astill's life of luxury. The Melbourne investor now faces serious questions about the management of his firm, whose key subsidiary collapsed with just $75 in its bank accounts, minor share holdings in two collapsed mining companies, and two luxury cars – a $75,000 black Maserati coupe and $50,000 black Land Rover wagon. Astill is subject to ongoing scrutiny from the corporate cop, and a long list of investors and creditors furious over money they are unlikely to ever see again. He was declared bankrupt last month with a $10.7 million debt pile mounted from excessive borrowing, business failures, legal action and gambling. As liquidators, receivers and administrators trawl through Caason's various insolvent companies, a murkier picture of the firm's operation has begun to emerge. Alleged misconduct has been identified. Millions of dollars have been lost. Lucrative metal rods, gold bullion and precious mineral sands purportedly owned by Caason and used to secure loans, have either not been found or are owned entirely by another company. The firm's key entity, Caason Investments, entered liquidation in November after a lengthy court battle with a $24 million hole in its balance sheet. It owes 108 creditors an estimated combined total of $4.7 million. They range from private lenders to individuals with personal relationships with Astill and his family. Caason Investment liquidator Adam Preiner determined the company traded while insolvent from at least June 30, 2021, leaving Astill liable to the tune of $3.5 million. The creditors' report, filed to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission in February, detailed $18 million in loans to Caason Group's related companies, Astill himself, and his wife. Preiner also identified several potential offences, which he indicated were detailed in a confidential report sent to ASIC. Questions have also been raised about the firm's commercial associations, which included twice-bankrupt mining spruiker David Catsoulis, self-described 'Christian marketplace leader' Dave Hodgson – who has been sued twice by ASIC – and previously banned director Colin Oxlade. Astill told the liquidator in November that Caason Investments had operated an 'innovation, research and development and project management investment business'. Preiner's investigation, however, painted a largely different picture: 'My investigations have identified that [Caason Investments'] predominant activity was borrowing funds from private investors and lending the borrowed funds to related entities of the company,' the liquidator stated in his report. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission is investigating Astill and his companies amid the litany of concerns identified in reports filed to the corporate regulator by liquidators, a well-placed source unable to speak publicly confirmed. The regulator declined to respond to detailed questions, but said: 'ASIC is aware of the concerns involving Caason Group and is considering them in line with our normal processes.' The corporate cop has already charged Astill. In December, the investor fronted Sydney Downing Local Court on two counts of failing to lodge a key report directors are required to file during the insolvency process, known as a Report on Company Activities and Property (ROCAP). The charges, launched by ASIC, were related to Aileron Station and Oolloo Farm. Astill eventually submitted the two ROCAPs. He was fined, and no conviction was recorded. When contacted by this masthead, Astill insisted on sitting down for an interview but on the day it was scheduled his solicitor responded, questioning the public interest of the story and revoking the offer of speaking to his client. There was no response to detailed questions sent later to Astill and his lawyer. The firm's collapse, and Preiner's findings, have been a long time coming for some creditors, several of whom launched a series of court proceedings last year in a bid to wind up several of its key entities after Caason defaulted on repayments. But applications to wind up some of Caason's companies go as far back as 2020. Some creditors who spoke to this masthead on condition of anonymity expressed sympathy for Astill, placing the blame on the private lenders Astill sourced financing from. 'He's straight up, [before this loan] he's paid me back – apart from this it's all been good,' said one investor, who met Astill over a decade ago. The creditor has written off the six-figure loan made out to Caason about five years ago. Others are not angry the business failed, but rather that Astill failed to act as his companies continued to incur losses and defaulted on repayments. Instead, they claim, Astill obfuscated and denied creditors' concerns, leading to an increase in debts and the unlikelihood of any sort of return. 'Craig had a moment when he realised he f----- up – he could've copped it, but instead he decided to weave a web of deceit,' one creditor said. And then there are those with more serious concerns, who feel deliberately misled. This includes creditors whose loans agreements, several of which have been obtained by this masthead, were supposed to be secured by collateral that liquidators say they have been unable to locate or if located, were owned by another company. These include the precious metal rods, gold bullion and mineral sands. Until his bankruptcy, Astill continued to operate various Caason Group entities and in October, he appeared as a speaker on an online forum discussing success in agriculture, despite the litany of financial woes, court proceedings and angry creditors. Astill stated in his bankruptcy documents his insolvency was due to 'excessive borrowing, business failure, legal action, and losses from gambling'. Astill's bankruptcy trustee, Gavin King, found that Astill owes at least $10.7 million, according to his initial report to creditors. His bank accounts are overdrawn by $20,000, and a SportsBet account held a little over $156. There are no other assets, and – like Caason Investments – Astill's personal creditors are unlikely to recoup any of their funds. Many of Astill's personal creditors were private investors to the Caason Group, whose loans were secured by personal guarantees provided by the Melbourne businessman. Curiously, the largest creditor of Astill's estate is an entity called Castill Investments – incorporated by Astill a month before he applied for bankruptcy – which is owed $4.2 million. One investor, owed over $150,000, has breathed a sigh of relief that Astill is banned from managing companies now he is bankrupt. 'I play high-risk games, and you don't win all the time and that's fine, but … you expect people to be straight up. Craig wasn't,' the investor said.

Sydney Morning Herald

8 hours ago

Sydney Morning Herald

Cattle, cars and missing gold bars: How a life of luxury collapsed into bankruptcy

In the late summer of 2017, Melbourne-based investor Craig Astill ventured to the Northern Territory to spend a few days at Aileron Station, a major cattle farm sprawling over a million acres just 130 kilometres from Alice Springs. During the trip, the 54-year-old marvelled over the farm's oasis-like vista: bright-green grass and brimming dams set against the backdrop of Central Australia's endless red dust desert. Astill's investment firm, Caason Group, had acquired the significant property two years earlier for an undisclosed sum. While Caason Group, founded by Astill in 1999, held a diverse portfolio – from telecommunications to mining to fintech – there was no doubt Aileron Station was its crown jewel. So much so that in 2021, Astill led the purchase of neighbouring hay farm Oolloo Farm for $6.1 million. The spoils of Caason Group's success over its 26-year lifespan afforded Astill and his family a life of opulence. He vacationed in beachfront villas in the Maldives and carved turns on the Val d'Isère slopes of the French Alps. He showcased renovations of a multimillion-dollar home and was known to drive luxury cars through the streets of Melbourne's affluent inner-east suburbs. Astill couldn't know it during that 2017 trip up north, but lenders would eventually seize possession of the Aileron and Oolloo farms, selling them to rich-lister Charlie Shahin. It was an event dubbed by sources unable to speak publicly as the beginning of the end for Caason Group and Astill's life of luxury. The Melbourne investor now faces serious questions about the management of his firm, whose key subsidiary collapsed with just $75 in its bank accounts, minor share holdings in two collapsed mining companies, and two luxury cars – a $75,000 black Maserati coupe and $50,000 black Land Rover wagon. Astill is subject to ongoing scrutiny from the corporate cop, and a long list of investors and creditors furious over money they are unlikely to ever see again. He was declared bankrupt last month with a $10.7 million debt pile mounted from excessive borrowing, business failures, legal action and gambling. As liquidators, receivers and administrators trawl through Caason's various insolvent companies, a murkier picture of the firm's operation has begun to emerge. Alleged misconduct has been identified. Millions of dollars have been lost. Lucrative metal rods, gold bullion and precious mineral sands purportedly owned by Caason and used to secure loans, have either not been found or are owned entirely by another company. The firm's key entity, Caason Investments, entered liquidation in November after a lengthy court battle with a $24 million hole in its balance sheet. It owes 108 creditors an estimated combined total of $4.7 million. They range from private lenders to individuals with personal relationships with Astill and his family. Caason Investment liquidator Adam Preiner determined the company traded while insolvent from at least June 30, 2021, leaving Astill liable to the tune of $3.5 million. The creditors' report, filed to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission in February, detailed $18 million in loans to Caason Group's related companies, Astill himself, and his wife. Preiner also identified several potential offences, which he indicated were detailed in a confidential report sent to ASIC. Questions have also been raised about the firm's commercial associations, which included twice-bankrupt mining spruiker David Catsoulis, self-described 'Christian marketplace leader' Dave Hodgson – who has been sued twice by ASIC – and previously banned director Colin Oxlade. Astill told the liquidator in November that Caason Investments had operated an 'innovation, research and development and project management investment business'. Preiner's investigation, however, painted a largely different picture: 'My investigations have identified that [Caason Investments'] predominant activity was borrowing funds from private investors and lending the borrowed funds to related entities of the company,' the liquidator stated in his report. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission is investigating Astill and his companies amid the litany of concerns identified in reports filed to the corporate regulator by liquidators, a well-placed source unable to speak publicly confirmed. The regulator declined to respond to detailed questions, but said: 'ASIC is aware of the concerns involving Caason Group and is considering them in line with our normal processes.' The corporate cop has already charged Astill. In December, the investor fronted Sydney Downing Local Court on two counts of failing to lodge a key report directors are required to file during the insolvency process, known as a Report on Company Activities and Property (ROCAP). The charges, launched by ASIC, were related to Aileron Station and Oolloo Farm. Astill eventually submitted the two ROCAPs. He was fined, and no conviction was recorded. When contacted by this masthead, Astill insisted on sitting down for an interview but on the day it was scheduled his solicitor responded, questioning the public interest of the story and revoking the offer of speaking to his client. There was no response to detailed questions sent later to Astill and his lawyer. The firm's collapse, and Preiner's findings, have been a long time coming for some creditors, several of whom launched a series of court proceedings last year in a bid to wind up several of its key entities after Caason defaulted on repayments. But applications to wind up some of Caason's companies go as far back as 2020. Some creditors who spoke to this masthead on condition of anonymity expressed sympathy for Astill, placing the blame on the private lenders Astill sourced financing from. 'He's straight up, [before this loan] he's paid me back – apart from this it's all been good,' said one investor, who met Astill over a decade ago. The creditor has written off the six-figure loan made out to Caason about five years ago. Others are not angry the business failed, but rather that Astill failed to act as his companies continued to incur losses and defaulted on repayments. Instead, they claim, Astill obfuscated and denied creditors' concerns, leading to an increase in debts and the unlikelihood of any sort of return. 'Craig had a moment when he realised he f----- up – he could've copped it, but instead he decided to weave a web of deceit,' one creditor said. And then there are those with more serious concerns, who feel deliberately misled. This includes creditors whose loans agreements, several of which have been obtained by this masthead, were supposed to be secured by collateral that liquidators say they have been unable to locate or if located, were owned by another company. These include the precious metal rods, gold bullion and mineral sands. Until his bankruptcy, Astill continued to operate various Caason Group entities and in October, he appeared as a speaker on an online forum discussing success in agriculture, despite the litany of financial woes, court proceedings and angry creditors. Astill stated in his bankruptcy documents his insolvency was due to 'excessive borrowing, business failure, legal action, and losses from gambling'. Astill's bankruptcy trustee, Gavin King, found that Astill owes at least $10.7 million, according to his initial report to creditors. His bank accounts are overdrawn by $20,000, and a SportsBet account held a little over $156. There are no other assets, and – like Caason Investments – Astill's personal creditors are unlikely to recoup any of their funds. Many of Astill's personal creditors were private investors to the Caason Group, whose loans were secured by personal guarantees provided by the Melbourne businessman. Curiously, the largest creditor of Astill's estate is an entity called Castill Investments – incorporated by Astill a month before he applied for bankruptcy – which is owed $4.2 million. One investor, owed over $150,000, has breathed a sigh of relief that Astill is banned from managing companies now he is bankrupt. 'I play high-risk games, and you don't win all the time and that's fine, but … you expect people to be straight up. Craig wasn't,' the investor said.

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How teens are recruited as players in Sydney's gangland war

Cattle, cars and missing gold bars: How a life of luxury collapsed into bankruptcy

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Army pilot took 'evasive action' before fatal crash

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How teens are recruited as players in Sydney's gangland war

Cattle, cars and missing gold bars: How a life of luxury collapsed into bankruptcy

Cattle, cars and missing gold bars: How a life of luxury collapsed into bankruptcy

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