NSW Police Investigate Possible Link Between Sydney Murder and Kidnapping Cases

NSW Police officers are investigating a connection between the killing of a 32-year-old man in Sydney to two cases of kidnapping and torture. Strike Force Hallet is investigating whether a 'contract crew' is behind the three cases, which are believed to have occurred within a period of six days last year. The state's police force believes the three incidents may be linked to a Victorian crime syndicate.

The first case in this suspected timeline involves the kidnapping of a 31-year-old from Canley Vale in Sydney's south-west, which police believe occurred on July 19. A box cutter found at the property suspected to be where the alleged torture took place.

It is alleged the man was tortured by his kidnappers, with part of his ear being severed before he was released that day. NSW Police said the kidnapping and torture was not reported to authorities, but detectives did execute a crime scene warrant on October 10 at a Canley Vale property, where the man was believed to have been held during the incident. Police seized a box cutter for further forensic analysis.

Two days after the alleged kidnapping, police say an attempted murder took place in south-east Queensland. During the early hours of July 21, a 23-year-old man, covered in dirt and suffering a facial gunshot wound with a bullet lodged in his brain, was taken to hospital after collapsing in a Jimboomba service station. Police believe there was an attempt to murder and bury the man.

Four days after this alleged attempted murder, NSW Police believe Rich 'Dylan' Choup — a 32-year-old whose remains were found on August 31 last year in bushland at Lucas Heights — was kidnapped before being fatally shot and having the top of his right ear severed. According to NSW Police, Mr Choup was captured shortly after 6pm on CCTV on July 25 meeting and being slapped by a man in Cabramatta, before they both walked towards a grey Audi SQ2. Mr Choup was later reported to police as missing on 29 July. Anyone with information about the vehicles or the men in the CCTV are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

According to the source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation.