‘Contract crew' wanted after men killed, tortured
Police believe a Victorian drug trafficking syndicate may be linked to the three incidents that occurred within a six-day period mid last year.
The first incident occurred about 5am on Sunday 21 July 2024 when a 23-year-old man wandered into a service station in Jimboomba, Queensland covered in dirt with a bullet wound through his head.
'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,' a police statement said.
'Although the man asked staff not to call emergency services, he collapsed shortly after, prompting them to seek help. CCTV shows the man entering the Queensland service station with a bullet wound through his eye before collapsing. NSW Police Credit: Supplied
'The 23-year-old man was taken to hospital where it was established he had been shot through the eye and had a bullet lodged in his brain.'
Two days earlier in Canley Vale, Sydney police believe a 31-year old man was kidnapped and tortured and had part of his ear severed before being released later the same day.
The incident wasn't reported to police; however, when detectives executed a search warrant on the property where the man was believed to have been held, they discovered the box cutter they believe was used to sever his ear.
The third incident involved the discovery of the remains of 32-year-old Rich 'Dylan' Choup in bushland off Sydney's south. Bushland in Sydney's south where the remains of Rich Choup were found. NSW Police Credit: Supplied
'A post-mortem confirmed Mr Choup had been fatally shot and that the top of his right ear had been severed,' the police statement continued.
'Mr Choup was last seen about 6.10pm on Thursday 25 July 2024 in Cabramatta, where he told friends he had a meeting and asked they wait nearby.
'About 6.25pm, CCTV captured Mr Choup meeting with a man on Railway Parade who appeared to reprimand and slap him.'
Although Mr Choup was reported missing on Monday, July 29, 2024, it wasn't until about 4.40pm on Saturday, August 31, 2024, that officers attached to Sutherland Shire Police Area Command were called to bushland off Heathcote Rd at Lucas Heights after reports trail bike riders discovered human remains. Mr Choup and the man who slapped him were seen walking towards a grey Audi SQ2. NSW Police Credit: Supplied
The remains were later confirmed to be those of Mr Choup.
As part of the ongoing investigations, police have released CCTV and images and are appealing to those who may have information to contact law enforcement.
CCTV from a roadhouse in Nambucca Heads on the NSW Mid North Coast about 5.30am on Saturday, July 20, 2024 shows a white Hyundai Getz.
Four male passengers are also captured on CCTV. One is believed to be the victim, who police suggest was picked up in NSW and driven to Queensland where his attempted murder took place.
In relation to the kidnapping, vision shows an image of the boxcutter police allege was used to sever the man's ear, as well as CCTV of two vehicles travelling in convoy at the intersection of Freeman Ave and Sackville St in Canley Vale around the time of the incident. The boxcutter police allege was used to sever the ear of a man on Friday 19 July, Mr Choup was found with a similar injury. NSW Police Credit: Supplied
The vehicles are described as a dark-coloured Audi SQ2 and a white Volkswagen Golf.
In relation to Mr Choup's murder, CCTV also captures Mr Choup and the man who slapped him walking towards a grey Audi SQ2. Police believe this may be 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.
The two males captured in the CCTV, seen allegedly moving the vehicles before and after Mr Choup's disappearance, are also of interest to police.
Strike Force Hallet has been established to investigate the slew of incidents and anyone with information about the vehicles or the men in the CCTV are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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