Kidnapping and Assault Charges Laid After Sydney SW Incident

A 32-year-old man was reportedly taken from a Guildford residence and later found with injuries at a property in Casula. Police have seized a firearm and other items as part of their investigation.

Five individuals have been charged in connection with an alleged kidnapping and assault in Sydney's southwest.

Sequence of Events

According to New South Wales Police, the incident began at approximately 11:30 PM on Monday outside a residence in Guildford. A 32-year-old man was allegedly assaulted and forced into a vehicle.

Police reports indicate the man was then driven to Villawood, where he was moved into a different vehicle. The man's own vehicle, a Ford Ranger, was later located partially burnt-out in Villawood.

Using the PolAir aircraft, police tracked the group to a house in Casula. Officers entered the property around 12:30 AM and located the 32-year-old man. Police reported the man was found with his hands and feet tied and had sustained facial injuries. He was treated at a hospital and later discharged.

Police Action and Evidence

At approximately 3:20 AM, detectives executed a search warrant at the Casula property. Police reported seizing a firearm, a baseball bat, other weapons, and clothing from the scene.

Within an hour of the initial report, police arrested five individuals near the Hume Highway in Casula. The locations of the alleged kidnapping, the house where the man was found, and seized vehicles are being forensically examined. A crime scene has been established, and an investigation is ongoing.

Arrests and Charges

The five individuals arrested comprise four men and one teenage boy. Their ages range from 15 to 22 years.

The charges laid by police include:

• Kidnap in company with intent to cause serious indictable offence and actual bodily harm
• Participate and contribute to a criminal group
• Possess unauthorised prohibited firearm
• Destroy property in company (value greater than $5,000)
• Aggravated take or drive motor vehicle with a person armed with a weapon
• Blacken or disguise face with intent to commit an indictable offence

The four adult men were refused bail and are scheduled to appear at Liverpool Local Court. The 15-year-old boy was also refused bail and is scheduled to face a Children's Court.

Background and Investigation Context

The 32-year-old man involved in the incident has been identified in media reports as Emilio Chalhoub. These reports state he is the personal bodyguard for rapper Ali Younes, who performs as "Ay Huncho".

Police reports and court documents have previously named Ali Younes as an associate of the Alameddine crime network.

Media reports note a series of incidents over the preceding week, including shootings and firebombings, which police have linked to rival gang activity.

NSW Police have stated the investigation into the alleged abduction and assault is ongoing and that they are investigating whether the incident is connected to other criminal activity in Sydney.