Teenage National from Sydney Charged with Organizing Contract Killings Abroad
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Synopsis
On April 17, Australian authorities arrested a 15-year-old Swedish national in Sydney for allegedly organizing contract killings in Denmark and Sweden. The Australian Federal Police, in collaboration with foreign agencies, initiated an investigation based on intelligence about international criminal activities.
Key Takeaways
- Teenager arrested for organizing contract killings.
- Collaboration between Australian and foreign police.
- Charges include conspiracy and murder.
- Investigation initiated by Danish Police.
- Separate home invasion stabbing incident reported.
Sydney, April 17 (NationPress) Authorities in Australia have apprehended and charged a teenage foreign national for allegedly orchestrating contract killings in Europe.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) announced on Thursday that the 15-year-old was taken into custody on Wednesday following the execution of a search warrant in western Sydney.
In collaboration with the Danish Police and the Swedish Police Authority, the AFP stated that the teenager is suspected of utilizing an encrypted messaging application to facilitate contract killings in Denmark and Sweden for a transnational crime organization.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that the individual is a national of Sweden.
He faces charges for one count of using a telecommunications device to commit conspiracy to murder and another for using a telecommunications device to commit murder.
The AFP initiated an investigation in early April after receiving information from the Danish Police about a foreign national residing in Australia allegedly involved in attempts to organize contract killings in Europe.
During the search on Wednesday, AFP officials confiscated electronic devices that will undergo forensic analysis.
"The AFP frequently collaborates with international law enforcement partners, such as the Danish Police, and the identification of these alleged international criminal connections highlights the strong partnership and cooperation between our agencies," stated AFP Commander Brett James.
The 15-year-old appeared in a Sydney children's court on Wednesday, where bail was formally denied. He is set to appear again before the same court on June 11.
In a separate incident, two teenagers were arrested and charged in relation to a home invasion stabbing in Sydney's inner suburbs, police reported on Thursday.
Officers from New South Wales responded on Wednesday evening to reports of an aggravated break-in at a residence in Marrickville, located six kilometers southwest of central Sydney.
Upon arrival, officers learned that around eight individuals wearing face coverings had forcibly entered the property and stabbed a 16-year-old boy. The group fled before authorities arrived.
The boy received treatment at the scene from ambulance paramedics for multiple stab wounds and was subsequently taken to the hospital for additional care.
NSW Police stated that two 15-year-old boys were arrested nearby following investigations.
Both were taken to a local police station and charged with various criminal offenses, including affray, participating in a criminal group, and contributing to criminal activity, according to Xinhua news agency. The first boy also faced charges for possessing a knife in a public place and being armed with the intent to commit an offense.
Nine Entertainment newspapers reported that the attackers and the 16-year-old victim are believed to be acquainted with each other.
Police indicated that investigations into the incident's circumstances are ongoing.
