Lamborghinis, McLaren seized in NSW counterfeiting ring bust

'Vicious murder': one of seven charged after Beaumont Street stabbing makes bail bid

The Advertiser

10 hours ago

The Advertiser

'Vicious murder': one of seven charged after Beaumont Street stabbing makes bail bid

A SUPREME Court judge has described the fatal stabbing of James Callahan on Beaumont Street last year as a "vicious murder" as one of seven people charged made a bid for bail on Friday. Dianne Fernando, 39, will have to wait until at least next week to find out if she will be let out on bail after Acting Justice Monika Schmidt told the court she needed more time to reflect on arguments put forward. Police allege Fernando was driving one of the vehicles captured on CCTV on the night of the fatal stabbing at Hamilton on November 17, 2024. Crown prosecutor Liam Shaw opposed Fernando's bail bid, calling the alleged murder a "shocking crime". "The Crown hasn't included the footage because it is too distressing to watch," he said. Mr Shaw alleged Fernando moved the car she was driving one to two metres closer to the altercation that took Mr Callahan's life, blocking the street and "providing lighting" to the people stabbing him. "It's not just the provision of the knife; from the beginning to the end, the applicant played a part in this episode," he said. Fernando was arrested after detectives from Newcastle's proactive crime team stopped a car on Albert Street at Lambton just before 1pm on February 4. Her solicitor argued elements of the Crown case were "circumstantial" and that if she was to be refused bail, Fernando could remain in custody until a trial at the end of 2026 or the start of 2027. "What we say in terms of the police case against Fernando is that it is largely based on CCTV of her movements, the use of her mobile phone, her proximity to what happened and something a witness heard that they said she said," he said. "Ms Fernando maintains what she said to the police in a statement provided to them that in terms of ultimately what happened, she didn't know what was going on, she wasn't told anything, and she was dumbfounded." The court heard that one of the passengers in the car claims she heard Fernando tell another passenger she shouldn't have given her a knife. Fernando's solicitor argued it was her first time in custody and that before she was arrested, she cared for five of her seven children. He said that prior to being arrested, Fernando suffered serious mental health issues and had sought help from her GP. Acting Justice Schmidt said she expected to deliver her decision early next week. Fernando's solicitor said she had "some criminal history largely made up of driving offences and more recently, but not too recently, some larcenies, fraud and an affray" and mentioned she was on a community corrections order at the time. Newcastle City police officers have been investigating the alleged murder of Mr Callahan under Strike Force Mannum, backed by the State Crime Command's homicide squad. A SUPREME Court judge has described the fatal stabbing of James Callahan on Beaumont Street last year as a "vicious murder" as one of seven people charged made a bid for bail on Friday. Dianne Fernando, 39, will have to wait until at least next week to find out if she will be let out on bail after Acting Justice Monika Schmidt told the court she needed more time to reflect on arguments put forward. Police allege Fernando was driving one of the vehicles captured on CCTV on the night of the fatal stabbing at Hamilton on November 17, 2024. Crown prosecutor Liam Shaw opposed Fernando's bail bid, calling the alleged murder a "shocking crime". "The Crown hasn't included the footage because it is too distressing to watch," he said. Mr Shaw alleged Fernando moved the car she was driving one to two metres closer to the altercation that took Mr Callahan's life, blocking the street and "providing lighting" to the people stabbing him. "It's not just the provision of the knife; from the beginning to the end, the applicant played a part in this episode," he said. Fernando was arrested after detectives from Newcastle's proactive crime team stopped a car on Albert Street at Lambton just before 1pm on February 4. Her solicitor argued elements of the Crown case were "circumstantial" and that if she was to be refused bail, Fernando could remain in custody until a trial at the end of 2026 or the start of 2027. "What we say in terms of the police case against Fernando is that it is largely based on CCTV of her movements, the use of her mobile phone, her proximity to what happened and something a witness heard that they said she said," he said. "Ms Fernando maintains what she said to the police in a statement provided to them that in terms of ultimately what happened, she didn't know what was going on, she wasn't told anything, and she was dumbfounded." The court heard that one of the passengers in the car claims she heard Fernando tell another passenger she shouldn't have given her a knife. Fernando's solicitor argued it was her first time in custody and that before she was arrested, she cared for five of her seven children. He said that prior to being arrested, Fernando suffered serious mental health issues and had sought help from her GP. Acting Justice Schmidt said she expected to deliver her decision early next week. Fernando's solicitor said she had "some criminal history largely made up of driving offences and more recently, but not too recently, some larcenies, fraud and an affray" and mentioned she was on a community corrections order at the time. Newcastle City police officers have been investigating the alleged murder of Mr Callahan under Strike Force Mannum, backed by the State Crime Command's homicide squad. A SUPREME Court judge has described the fatal stabbing of James Callahan on Beaumont Street last year as a "vicious murder" as one of seven people charged made a bid for bail on Friday. Dianne Fernando, 39, will have to wait until at least next week to find out if she will be let out on bail after Acting Justice Monika Schmidt told the court she needed more time to reflect on arguments put forward. Police allege Fernando was driving one of the vehicles captured on CCTV on the night of the fatal stabbing at Hamilton on November 17, 2024. Crown prosecutor Liam Shaw opposed Fernando's bail bid, calling the alleged murder a "shocking crime". "The Crown hasn't included the footage because it is too distressing to watch," he said. Mr Shaw alleged Fernando moved the car she was driving one to two metres closer to the altercation that took Mr Callahan's life, blocking the street and "providing lighting" to the people stabbing him. "It's not just the provision of the knife; from the beginning to the end, the applicant played a part in this episode," he said. Fernando was arrested after detectives from Newcastle's proactive crime team stopped a car on Albert Street at Lambton just before 1pm on February 4. Her solicitor argued elements of the Crown case were "circumstantial" and that if she was to be refused bail, Fernando could remain in custody until a trial at the end of 2026 or the start of 2027. "What we say in terms of the police case against Fernando is that it is largely based on CCTV of her movements, the use of her mobile phone, her proximity to what happened and something a witness heard that they said she said," he said. "Ms Fernando maintains what she said to the police in a statement provided to them that in terms of ultimately what happened, she didn't know what was going on, she wasn't told anything, and she was dumbfounded." The court heard that one of the passengers in the car claims she heard Fernando tell another passenger she shouldn't have given her a knife. Fernando's solicitor argued it was her first time in custody and that before she was arrested, she cared for five of her seven children. He said that prior to being arrested, Fernando suffered serious mental health issues and had sought help from her GP. Acting Justice Schmidt said she expected to deliver her decision early next week. Fernando's solicitor said she had "some criminal history largely made up of driving offences and more recently, but not too recently, some larcenies, fraud and an affray" and mentioned she was on a community corrections order at the time. Newcastle City police officers have been investigating the alleged murder of Mr Callahan under Strike Force Mannum, backed by the State Crime Command's homicide squad. A SUPREME Court judge has described the fatal stabbing of James Callahan on Beaumont Street last year as a "vicious murder" as one of seven people charged made a bid for bail on Friday. Dianne Fernando, 39, will have to wait until at least next week to find out if she will be let out on bail after Acting Justice Monika Schmidt told the court she needed more time to reflect on arguments put forward. Police allege Fernando was driving one of the vehicles captured on CCTV on the night of the fatal stabbing at Hamilton on November 17, 2024. Crown prosecutor Liam Shaw opposed Fernando's bail bid, calling the alleged murder a "shocking crime". "The Crown hasn't included the footage because it is too distressing to watch," he said. Mr Shaw alleged Fernando moved the car she was driving one to two metres closer to the altercation that took Mr Callahan's life, blocking the street and "providing lighting" to the people stabbing him. "It's not just the provision of the knife; from the beginning to the end, the applicant played a part in this episode," he said. Fernando was arrested after detectives from Newcastle's proactive crime team stopped a car on Albert Street at Lambton just before 1pm on February 4. Her solicitor argued elements of the Crown case were "circumstantial" and that if she was to be refused bail, Fernando could remain in custody until a trial at the end of 2026 or the start of 2027. "What we say in terms of the police case against Fernando is that it is largely based on CCTV of her movements, the use of her mobile phone, her proximity to what happened and something a witness heard that they said she said," he said. "Ms Fernando maintains what she said to the police in a statement provided to them that in terms of ultimately what happened, she didn't know what was going on, she wasn't told anything, and she was dumbfounded." The court heard that one of the passengers in the car claims she heard Fernando tell another passenger she shouldn't have given her a knife. Fernando's solicitor argued it was her first time in custody and that before she was arrested, she cared for five of her seven children. He said that prior to being arrested, Fernando suffered serious mental health issues and had sought help from her GP. Acting Justice Schmidt said she expected to deliver her decision early next week. Fernando's solicitor said she had "some criminal history largely made up of driving offences and more recently, but not too recently, some larcenies, fraud and an affray" and mentioned she was on a community corrections order at the time. Newcastle City police officers have been investigating the alleged murder of Mr Callahan under Strike Force Mannum, backed by the State Crime Command's homicide squad.

Lamborghinis, McLaren seized in NSW counterfeiting ring bust

The Advertiser

16 hours ago

The Advertiser

Lamborghinis, McLaren seized in NSW counterfeiting ring bust

Three men have been arrested after allegedly racking up nearly $10 million by selling counterfeit luxury goods on social media, and several high-end vehicles in their possession have been seized. A total of nine vehicles were seized in Sydney as part of Strike Force Alcova, with the cars having a combined value of approximately $3 million. Imagery provided by the NSW Police Force reveals a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, Urus and Huracan, a McLaren 765LT, and a Mercedes-AMG A35 being seized by officers on Wednesday (June 18). Also seized by officers were 500 counterfeit luxury items, $270,000 in cash, and a gel blaster firearm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Search warrants were executed in Fairfield East, Merrylands and Guildford and three men were arrested. Strike Force Alcova was established by State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad Unexplained Wealth Team and the NSW Crime Commission to investigate an organised criminal syndicate allegedly involved in selling counterfeit luxury goods. These goods included clothes, watches, shoes and handbags sold via social media sites, and investigators allege the group had moved approximately $9.75 million in profits through various bank accounts. The men were charged with dealing with property proceeds of crime, recklessly dealing with the proceeds of general crime intended to conceal, and participating in criminal group activity, among other offences, and were refused bail to appear in Paramatta Local Court yesterday. "We will allege these individuals built a multi-million-dollar empire by deceiving consumers and undermining legitimate businesses," said Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, Commander of State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad. "Behind the filters and followers was a sophisticated criminal enterprise exploiting digital platforms to sell counterfeit luxury goods." "The evidence suggests this criminal group stockpiled significant wealth – vehicles, cash, and luxury goods – through the sale of counterfeit items. These assets are now under the control of the NSW Crime Commission," said NSW Crime Commission executive director Darren Bennett, noting the significant seizure of "tainted assets". This comes just weeks after an Australian Federal Police-led taskforce seized a collection of exotic vehicles from a NSW pharmacist who allegedly made false claims under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for almost a decade. This alleged criminal's collection also included Lamborghinis and McLarens. A McLaren 765LT was seized following the execution of a search warrant at a house in Dural, as were a Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae and an Aventador SVJ – the latter wearing a colour scheme perhaps best described as resembling Barney the Dinosaur. Content originally sourced from: Three men have been arrested after allegedly racking up nearly $10 million by selling counterfeit luxury goods on social media, and several high-end vehicles in their possession have been seized. A total of nine vehicles were seized in Sydney as part of Strike Force Alcova, with the cars having a combined value of approximately $3 million. Imagery provided by the NSW Police Force reveals a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, Urus and Huracan, a McLaren 765LT, and a Mercedes-AMG A35 being seized by officers on Wednesday (June 18). Also seized by officers were 500 counterfeit luxury items, $270,000 in cash, and a gel blaster firearm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Search warrants were executed in Fairfield East, Merrylands and Guildford and three men were arrested. Strike Force Alcova was established by State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad Unexplained Wealth Team and the NSW Crime Commission to investigate an organised criminal syndicate allegedly involved in selling counterfeit luxury goods. These goods included clothes, watches, shoes and handbags sold via social media sites, and investigators allege the group had moved approximately $9.75 million in profits through various bank accounts. The men were charged with dealing with property proceeds of crime, recklessly dealing with the proceeds of general crime intended to conceal, and participating in criminal group activity, among other offences, and were refused bail to appear in Paramatta Local Court yesterday. "We will allege these individuals built a multi-million-dollar empire by deceiving consumers and undermining legitimate businesses," said Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, Commander of State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad. "Behind the filters and followers was a sophisticated criminal enterprise exploiting digital platforms to sell counterfeit luxury goods." "The evidence suggests this criminal group stockpiled significant wealth – vehicles, cash, and luxury goods – through the sale of counterfeit items. These assets are now under the control of the NSW Crime Commission," said NSW Crime Commission executive director Darren Bennett, noting the significant seizure of "tainted assets". This comes just weeks after an Australian Federal Police-led taskforce seized a collection of exotic vehicles from a NSW pharmacist who allegedly made false claims under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for almost a decade. This alleged criminal's collection also included Lamborghinis and McLarens. A McLaren 765LT was seized following the execution of a search warrant at a house in Dural, as were a Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae and an Aventador SVJ – the latter wearing a colour scheme perhaps best described as resembling Barney the Dinosaur. Content originally sourced from: Three men have been arrested after allegedly racking up nearly $10 million by selling counterfeit luxury goods on social media, and several high-end vehicles in their possession have been seized. A total of nine vehicles were seized in Sydney as part of Strike Force Alcova, with the cars having a combined value of approximately $3 million. Imagery provided by the NSW Police Force reveals a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, Urus and Huracan, a McLaren 765LT, and a Mercedes-AMG A35 being seized by officers on Wednesday (June 18). Also seized by officers were 500 counterfeit luxury items, $270,000 in cash, and a gel blaster firearm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Search warrants were executed in Fairfield East, Merrylands and Guildford and three men were arrested. Strike Force Alcova was established by State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad Unexplained Wealth Team and the NSW Crime Commission to investigate an organised criminal syndicate allegedly involved in selling counterfeit luxury goods. These goods included clothes, watches, shoes and handbags sold via social media sites, and investigators allege the group had moved approximately $9.75 million in profits through various bank accounts. The men were charged with dealing with property proceeds of crime, recklessly dealing with the proceeds of general crime intended to conceal, and participating in criminal group activity, among other offences, and were refused bail to appear in Paramatta Local Court yesterday. "We will allege these individuals built a multi-million-dollar empire by deceiving consumers and undermining legitimate businesses," said Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, Commander of State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad. "Behind the filters and followers was a sophisticated criminal enterprise exploiting digital platforms to sell counterfeit luxury goods." "The evidence suggests this criminal group stockpiled significant wealth – vehicles, cash, and luxury goods – through the sale of counterfeit items. These assets are now under the control of the NSW Crime Commission," said NSW Crime Commission executive director Darren Bennett, noting the significant seizure of "tainted assets". This comes just weeks after an Australian Federal Police-led taskforce seized a collection of exotic vehicles from a NSW pharmacist who allegedly made false claims under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for almost a decade. This alleged criminal's collection also included Lamborghinis and McLarens. A McLaren 765LT was seized following the execution of a search warrant at a house in Dural, as were a Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae and an Aventador SVJ – the latter wearing a colour scheme perhaps best described as resembling Barney the Dinosaur. Content originally sourced from: Three men have been arrested after allegedly racking up nearly $10 million by selling counterfeit luxury goods on social media, and several high-end vehicles in their possession have been seized. A total of nine vehicles were seized in Sydney as part of Strike Force Alcova, with the cars having a combined value of approximately $3 million. Imagery provided by the NSW Police Force reveals a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, Urus and Huracan, a McLaren 765LT, and a Mercedes-AMG A35 being seized by officers on Wednesday (June 18). Also seized by officers were 500 counterfeit luxury items, $270,000 in cash, and a gel blaster firearm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Search warrants were executed in Fairfield East, Merrylands and Guildford and three men were arrested. Strike Force Alcova was established by State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad Unexplained Wealth Team and the NSW Crime Commission to investigate an organised criminal syndicate allegedly involved in selling counterfeit luxury goods. These goods included clothes, watches, shoes and handbags sold via social media sites, and investigators allege the group had moved approximately $9.75 million in profits through various bank accounts. The men were charged with dealing with property proceeds of crime, recklessly dealing with the proceeds of general crime intended to conceal, and participating in criminal group activity, among other offences, and were refused bail to appear in Paramatta Local Court yesterday. "We will allege these individuals built a multi-million-dollar empire by deceiving consumers and undermining legitimate businesses," said Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, Commander of State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad. "Behind the filters and followers was a sophisticated criminal enterprise exploiting digital platforms to sell counterfeit luxury goods." "The evidence suggests this criminal group stockpiled significant wealth – vehicles, cash, and luxury goods – through the sale of counterfeit items. These assets are now under the control of the NSW Crime Commission," said NSW Crime Commission executive director Darren Bennett, noting the significant seizure of "tainted assets". This comes just weeks after an Australian Federal Police-led taskforce seized a collection of exotic vehicles from a NSW pharmacist who allegedly made false claims under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for almost a decade. This alleged criminal's collection also included Lamborghinis and McLarens. A McLaren 765LT was seized following the execution of a search warrant at a house in Dural, as were a Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae and an Aventador SVJ – the latter wearing a colour scheme perhaps best described as resembling Barney the Dinosaur. Content originally sourced from:

7NEWS

18 hours ago

7NEWS

Lamborghinis, McLaren seized in NSW counterfeiting ring bust

Three men have been arrested after allegedly racking up nearly $10 million by selling counterfeit luxury goods on social media, and several high-end vehicles in their possession have been seized. A total of nine vehicles were seized in Sydney as part of Strike Force Alcova, with the cars having a combined value of approximately $3 million. Imagery provided by the NSW Police Force reveals a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, Urus and Huracan, a McLaren 765LT, and a Mercedes-AMG A35 being seized by officers on Wednesday (June 18). Also seized by officers were 500 counterfeit luxury items, $270,000 in cash, and a gel blaster firearm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Search warrants were executed in Fairfield East, Merrylands and Guildford and three men were arrested. Strike Force Alcova was established by State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad Unexplained Wealth Team and the NSW Crime Commission to investigate an organised criminal syndicate allegedly involved in selling counterfeit luxury goods. These goods included clothes, watches, shoes and handbags sold via social media sites, and investigators allege the group had moved approximately $9.75 million in profits through various bank accounts. The men were charged with dealing with property proceeds of crime, recklessly dealing with the proceeds of general crime intended to conceal, and participating in criminal group activity, among other offences, and were refused bail to appear in Paramatta Local Court yesterday. 'We will allege these individuals built a multi-million-dollar empire by deceiving consumers and undermining legitimate businesses,' said Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, Commander of State Crime Command's Organised Crime Squad. 'Behind the filters and followers was a sophisticated criminal enterprise exploiting digital platforms to sell counterfeit luxury goods.' 'The evidence suggests this criminal group stockpiled significant wealth – vehicles, cash, and luxury goods – through the sale of counterfeit items. These assets are now under the control of the NSW Crime Commission,' said NSW Crime Commission executive director Darren Bennett, noting the significant seizure of 'tainted assets'. This comes just weeks after an Australian Federal Police-led taskforce seized a collection of exotic vehicles from a NSW pharmacist who allegedly made false claims under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for almost a decade. This alleged criminal's collection also included Lamborghinis and McLarens. A McLaren 765LT was seized following the execution of a search warrant at a house in Dural, as were a Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae and an Aventador SVJ – the latter wearing a colour scheme perhaps best described as resembling Barney the Dinosaur.

Lamborghinis, McLaren seized in NSW counterfeiting ring bust

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'Vicious murder': one of seven charged after Beaumont Street stabbing makes bail bid

Lamborghinis, McLaren seized in NSW counterfeiting ring bust

Lamborghinis, McLaren seized in NSW counterfeiting ring bust

Lamborghinis, McLaren seized in NSW counterfeiting ring bust

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'Vicious murder': one of seven charged after Beaumont Street stabbing makes bail bid

Lamborghinis, McLaren seized in NSW counterfeiting ring bust

Lamborghinis, McLaren seized in NSW counterfeiting ring bust

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