WATCH: ‘Contract crew' wanted over six-day reign of terror
Rich 'Dylan' Choup, whose body was found with a gunshot wound and his ear severed by trail bikers in August 2024, can be seen being slapped in the face in a chilling confrontation with an unknown man.
Police believe the father is one of at least three victims of a violent gang of offenders with links to a Victorian drug trafficking syndicate whose reign of terror spanned two states.
Strike Force Hallet, set up to investigate Mr Choup's death, is also investigating the kidnapping and torture of a man in Canley Vale, and the attempted murder of another man in Queensland.
Vision of multiple men, including of one who was shot through his eye and buried, various cars and even a box cutter was released on Monday as police try to hunt down those responsible.
Police believe a 31-year-old man was tortured and had part of his ear severed after he was kidnapped from south west Sydney on July 19, 2024
'Although the incident was not reported to police, detectives executed a crime scene warrant on Thursday 10 October 2024 at a Canley Vale property where the man is believed to have been held,' a police statement read.
'During the search, police located a box cutter which was seized for further forensic analysis.'
Police have released an image of the boxcutter they believe was used in the torture incident and CCTV of two vehicles captured on CCTV driving in convoy at the intersection of Freeman Avenue and Sackville Street in Canley Vale around the time of the incident.
The vehicles are described as a dark-coloured Audi SQ2 and a white Volkswagen Golf.
A 23-year-old man was found with a gunshot wound to his eye, with the bullet lodged in his brain.
The alarm was raised about 5am on July 21, 2024 after the man, covered in dirt, stumbled into a service station in Jimboomba, about an hour north east of the Gold Coast.
The man had asked staff not to call emergency services but collapsed shortly after, prompting them to seek help.
Police believe the man was shot and buried, with those responsible likely unaware he crawled out of his shallow grave to seek help a short time later. The man, covered in dirt, stumbled into a service station in Jimboomba. Credit: NSW Police The 23-year-old asked staff not to call authorities, but they did when he collapsed. Credit: NSW Police
As investigations continue, police have released CCTV of a white Hyundai Getz seen at a roadhouse in Nambucca on the Mid North Coast about 5.30am on 20 July, 2024 – the day before the attempted murder.
Four male passengers are captured on CCTV, one is believed to be the victim, leading police to believe he may have been picked up in NSW and driven to Queensland where his attempted murder took place.
Mr Choup was last seen about 6.10pm on July 25, 2024 in Cabramatta. He had told friends he was goinf to a meeting and aksed friends to stay nearby.
About 6.25pm, CCTV captured Mr Choup meeting with a man on Railway Parade, who appeared to reprimand and slap him.
Both men are then seen walking towards a grey Audi SQ2. Rich 'Dylan' Choup appears to be reprimanded and slapped by an unknown man. Credit: NSW Police
As inquiries continue, police have released CCTV of the grey Audi SQ2, possibly the same vehicle used in the kidnapping in Canley Vale a week earlier.
Detectives have also released CCTV of a white Lexus and white Audi RS3.
Police say two males captured in the CCTV, seen allegedly moving the vehicles before and after Mr Choup's disappearance are also wanted for questioning.
Anyone with information about the vehicles or the men in the CCTV are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
9 News
6 hours ago
- 9 News
Actor may question 'mathematical formula' of Nazi salute in court case
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here Former television soap star Damien Richardson may question the "mathematical formula" of a Nazi salute as he fights charges in court. The former Neighbours and McLeod's Daughters actor, 55, faced Moorabbin Magistrates Court today accompanied by his mother. He is charged with performing a Nazi salute at a restaurant in Melbourne's south-east in September 2024. Neighbours star Damien Richardson is the subject of a police investigation after he was recorded allegedly performing the Nazi salute. (Supplied) Richardson had asked police to consider offering him a diversion at a hearing in June, to spare him a criminal conviction, but this was rejected, the court was told today. He has been charged with intentionally performing "a Nazi gesture whilst knowing that the symbol is associated with Nazi ideology" and that "the display "occurred in a public place, at Urban St restaurant in McKinnon. Prosecutor Nicholas La Mattina applied to change the wording of the single charge, to remove "symbol" and "display". He also asked the magistrate to insert the words "Nazi salute" into the charge, and that it "is likely to be confused with or mistaken for a Nazi salute, whilst knowing the Nazi salute is a Nazi gesture". Magistrate Luisa Bazzani approved of the changed wording and ordered the matter be set down for a two-day contested hearing. She said there were two issues: whether Richardson performed a Nazi gesture or salute; and whether he could be exempt under the Act as performing out of "genuine artistic purpose". "What's conceded is the gesture Mr Richardson performed was a Nazi gesture, but not specifically a Nazi salute," La Mattina said. Damien Richardson as Tom Braiden on McLeod's Daughters. (Nine) Defence lawyer Peter Monagle said his client claimed "it was a gesture which was made without thought as to what ramifications there may be". However, Bazzani said Richardson had referred to the fact he may be fined or jailed, while he was performing the gesture. La Mattina said he may potentially call an expert on "what constitutes a Nazi salute" to give evidence to the hearing but flagged he needed further instructions before confirming this. If called, Monagle said he would cross-examine that witness on the "mathematical formula" of what constitutes a Nazi salute, including how high an arm must be raised and the position of fingers. "We would spend extensive time if an expert was called in regards to that," the defence lawyer said. A two-hour live stream of the incident may be played at the contested hearing, but Monagle said he would ask the court to not allow evidence of another speaker at the event. "What he said would be prejudicial to my client's case," he said. Richardson, who is facing a fine of up to $23,000 or 12 months in jail, will return to the court for a contested hearing on November 5 and 6. The first Victorian convicted of performing a Nazi salute in public was Jacob Hersant, a far-right extremist who was handed a one-month jail term but freed on bail pending an appeal. courts celebrities NAZI crime national Australia CONTACT US
ABC News
8 hours ago
- ABC News
NSW Police officer charged with possessing child abuse, bestiality material
A police officer has been suspended without pay after he was charged over the possession of child abuse and bestiality material, and for alleged misconduct. NSW Police said it began investigating reports of unauthorised access of the police computer system in March this year, before seizing the electronic devices of a senior constable in May. Mitchell Leslie, 38, was arrested on Tuesday morning and refused bail to appear at Hornsby Local Court that afternoon. It's alleged the officer had the child abuse and bestiality material on his personal phone and laptop. The prosecution told the court he was in possession of "potentially over 200,000 images" of child abuse material. Mr Leslie was charged with misconduct in public office, two counts of possessing child abuse material, person possessing bestiality material and three counts of access/modify restricted data held in computer. Court documents alleged he unlawfully accessed the confidential NSW Police Force computer policing system database and unlawfully accessed restricted data. Among allegations of misconduct, Mr Leslie has been accused of protecting his partner from being detected driving unlawfully, being "complicit" in his partner's brother avoiding apprehension of domestic violence offences, and misusing a police vehicle. Court documents also alleged he provided his partner with a letter on NSW Police letterhead for the Department of Communities and Justice to "assist with prioritised residence relocation". The documents said he did so "being outside the scope of his duty and a conflict of interest". His barrister Imogan Hogan applied for bail for reasons including that he was receiving mental health treatment and intended to be transferred to an in-patient PTSD program. Ms Hogan raised concerns over his custody, including that he was involved in the arrests of outlaw motorcycle gang members while he was part of the Raptor Squad. The prosecution argued the allegations he faced were "very serious" and that releasing him on bail or imposing conditions would be a risk. "Due to the unacceptable risk of further serious offending and interference with evidence and witnesses … there are significant bail concerns," the prosecution said. The magistrate refused his bail application "due to the unacceptable risk". He is suspended without pay, and an urgent review of his employment status is underway. Mr Leslie will next appear in court on September 10.
The Advertiser
8 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Nazi salute 'maths' may be raised in actor's court case
Former television soap star Damien Richardson may question the "mathematical formula" of a Nazi salute as he fights charges in court. The former Neighbours and McLeod's Daughters actor, 55, faced Moorabbin Magistrates Court on Tuesday accompanied by his mother. He is charged with performing a Nazi salute at a restaurant in Melbourne's southeast in September 2024. Richardson had asked police to consider offering him a diversion at a hearing in June, to spare him a criminal conviction, but this was rejected, the court was told on Tuesday. He has been charged with intentionally performing "a Nazi gesture whilst knowing that the symbol is associated with Nazi ideology" and that "the display "occurred in a public place, at Urban St restaurant in McKinnon. Prosecutor Nicholas La Mattina applied to change the wording of the single charge, to remove "symbol" and "display". He also asked the magistrate to insert the words "Nazi salute" into the charge, and that it "is likely to be confused with or mistaken for a Nazi salute, whilst knowing the Nazi salute is a Nazi gesture". Magistrate Luisa Bazzani approved of the changed wording and ordered the matter be set down for a two-day contested hearing. She said there were two issues; whether Richardson performed a Nazi gesture or salute and whether he could be exempt under the Act as performing out of "genuine artistic purpose". "What's conceded is the gesture Mr Richardson performed was a Nazi gesture, but not specifically a Nazi salute," Mr La Mattina said. Defence lawyer Peter Monagle said his client claimed "it was a gesture which was made without thought as to what ramifications there may be". However, Ms Bazzani said Richardson had referred to the fact he may be fined or jailed, while he was performing the gesture. Mr La Mattina said he may potentially call an expert on "what constitutes a Nazi salute" to give evidence to the hearing but flagged he needed further instructions before confirming this. If called, Mr Monagle said he would cross-examine that witness on the "mathematical formula" of what constitutes a Nazi salute, including how high an arm must be raised and the position of fingers. "We would spend extensive time if an expert was called in regards to that," the defence lawyer said. A two-hour live stream of the incident may be played at the contested hearing, but Mr Monagle said he would ask the court to not allow evidence of another speaker at the event. "What he said would be prejudicial to my client's case," he said. Richardson, who is facing a fine of up to $23,000 or 12 months in jail, will return to the court for a contested hearing on November 5 and 6. The first Victorian convicted of performing a Nazi salute in public was Jacob Hersant, a far-right extremist who was handed a one-month jail term but freed on bail pending an appeal. Former television soap star Damien Richardson may question the "mathematical formula" of a Nazi salute as he fights charges in court. The former Neighbours and McLeod's Daughters actor, 55, faced Moorabbin Magistrates Court on Tuesday accompanied by his mother. He is charged with performing a Nazi salute at a restaurant in Melbourne's southeast in September 2024. Richardson had asked police to consider offering him a diversion at a hearing in June, to spare him a criminal conviction, but this was rejected, the court was told on Tuesday. He has been charged with intentionally performing "a Nazi gesture whilst knowing that the symbol is associated with Nazi ideology" and that "the display "occurred in a public place, at Urban St restaurant in McKinnon. Prosecutor Nicholas La Mattina applied to change the wording of the single charge, to remove "symbol" and "display". He also asked the magistrate to insert the words "Nazi salute" into the charge, and that it "is likely to be confused with or mistaken for a Nazi salute, whilst knowing the Nazi salute is a Nazi gesture". Magistrate Luisa Bazzani approved of the changed wording and ordered the matter be set down for a two-day contested hearing. She said there were two issues; whether Richardson performed a Nazi gesture or salute and whether he could be exempt under the Act as performing out of "genuine artistic purpose". "What's conceded is the gesture Mr Richardson performed was a Nazi gesture, but not specifically a Nazi salute," Mr La Mattina said. Defence lawyer Peter Monagle said his client claimed "it was a gesture which was made without thought as to what ramifications there may be". However, Ms Bazzani said Richardson had referred to the fact he may be fined or jailed, while he was performing the gesture. Mr La Mattina said he may potentially call an expert on "what constitutes a Nazi salute" to give evidence to the hearing but flagged he needed further instructions before confirming this. If called, Mr Monagle said he would cross-examine that witness on the "mathematical formula" of what constitutes a Nazi salute, including how high an arm must be raised and the position of fingers. "We would spend extensive time if an expert was called in regards to that," the defence lawyer said. A two-hour live stream of the incident may be played at the contested hearing, but Mr Monagle said he would ask the court to not allow evidence of another speaker at the event. "What he said would be prejudicial to my client's case," he said. Richardson, who is facing a fine of up to $23,000 or 12 months in jail, will return to the court for a contested hearing on November 5 and 6. The first Victorian convicted of performing a Nazi salute in public was Jacob Hersant, a far-right extremist who was handed a one-month jail term but freed on bail pending an appeal. Former television soap star Damien Richardson may question the "mathematical formula" of a Nazi salute as he fights charges in court. The former Neighbours and McLeod's Daughters actor, 55, faced Moorabbin Magistrates Court on Tuesday accompanied by his mother. He is charged with performing a Nazi salute at a restaurant in Melbourne's southeast in September 2024. Richardson had asked police to consider offering him a diversion at a hearing in June, to spare him a criminal conviction, but this was rejected, the court was told on Tuesday. He has been charged with intentionally performing "a Nazi gesture whilst knowing that the symbol is associated with Nazi ideology" and that "the display "occurred in a public place, at Urban St restaurant in McKinnon. Prosecutor Nicholas La Mattina applied to change the wording of the single charge, to remove "symbol" and "display". He also asked the magistrate to insert the words "Nazi salute" into the charge, and that it "is likely to be confused with or mistaken for a Nazi salute, whilst knowing the Nazi salute is a Nazi gesture". Magistrate Luisa Bazzani approved of the changed wording and ordered the matter be set down for a two-day contested hearing. She said there were two issues; whether Richardson performed a Nazi gesture or salute and whether he could be exempt under the Act as performing out of "genuine artistic purpose". "What's conceded is the gesture Mr Richardson performed was a Nazi gesture, but not specifically a Nazi salute," Mr La Mattina said. Defence lawyer Peter Monagle said his client claimed "it was a gesture which was made without thought as to what ramifications there may be". However, Ms Bazzani said Richardson had referred to the fact he may be fined or jailed, while he was performing the gesture. Mr La Mattina said he may potentially call an expert on "what constitutes a Nazi salute" to give evidence to the hearing but flagged he needed further instructions before confirming this. If called, Mr Monagle said he would cross-examine that witness on the "mathematical formula" of what constitutes a Nazi salute, including how high an arm must be raised and the position of fingers. "We would spend extensive time if an expert was called in regards to that," the defence lawyer said. A two-hour live stream of the incident may be played at the contested hearing, but Mr Monagle said he would ask the court to not allow evidence of another speaker at the event. "What he said would be prejudicial to my client's case," he said. Richardson, who is facing a fine of up to $23,000 or 12 months in jail, will return to the court for a contested hearing on November 5 and 6. The first Victorian convicted of performing a Nazi salute in public was Jacob Hersant, a far-right extremist who was handed a one-month jail term but freed on bail pending an appeal. Former television soap star Damien Richardson may question the "mathematical formula" of a Nazi salute as he fights charges in court. The former Neighbours and McLeod's Daughters actor, 55, faced Moorabbin Magistrates Court on Tuesday accompanied by his mother. He is charged with performing a Nazi salute at a restaurant in Melbourne's southeast in September 2024. Richardson had asked police to consider offering him a diversion at a hearing in June, to spare him a criminal conviction, but this was rejected, the court was told on Tuesday. He has been charged with intentionally performing "a Nazi gesture whilst knowing that the symbol is associated with Nazi ideology" and that "the display "occurred in a public place, at Urban St restaurant in McKinnon. Prosecutor Nicholas La Mattina applied to change the wording of the single charge, to remove "symbol" and "display". He also asked the magistrate to insert the words "Nazi salute" into the charge, and that it "is likely to be confused with or mistaken for a Nazi salute, whilst knowing the Nazi salute is a Nazi gesture". Magistrate Luisa Bazzani approved of the changed wording and ordered the matter be set down for a two-day contested hearing. She said there were two issues; whether Richardson performed a Nazi gesture or salute and whether he could be exempt under the Act as performing out of "genuine artistic purpose". "What's conceded is the gesture Mr Richardson performed was a Nazi gesture, but not specifically a Nazi salute," Mr La Mattina said. Defence lawyer Peter Monagle said his client claimed "it was a gesture which was made without thought as to what ramifications there may be". However, Ms Bazzani said Richardson had referred to the fact he may be fined or jailed, while he was performing the gesture. Mr La Mattina said he may potentially call an expert on "what constitutes a Nazi salute" to give evidence to the hearing but flagged he needed further instructions before confirming this. If called, Mr Monagle said he would cross-examine that witness on the "mathematical formula" of what constitutes a Nazi salute, including how high an arm must be raised and the position of fingers. "We would spend extensive time if an expert was called in regards to that," the defence lawyer said. A two-hour live stream of the incident may be played at the contested hearing, but Mr Monagle said he would ask the court to not allow evidence of another speaker at the event. "What he said would be prejudicial to my client's case," he said. Richardson, who is facing a fine of up to $23,000 or 12 months in jail, will return to the court for a contested hearing on November 5 and 6. The first Victorian convicted of performing a Nazi salute in public was Jacob Hersant, a far-right extremist who was handed a one-month jail term but freed on bail pending an appeal.
