Organised Crime Squad detectives take down ‘VIP’ network over the alleged distribution of DECCDs to criminal groups
Friday, 10 July 2026 12:19:34 PM
Organised Crime Squad detectives have infiltrated and dismantled a criminal network allegedly responsible for the supply and distribution of Dedicated Encrypted Criminal Communication Devices (DECCDs) to organised crime groups across the state.
Please note: A fourth person has now been charged as part of the operation.
In April 2025, State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad established Strike Force Harskamp to investigate the ‘VIP’ Organised Crime Network (OCN), suspected of importing devices from overseas, encrypting them and allegedly selling the devices for use in serious criminal activity.
Strike force detectives will allege this syndicate operated as a commercial enterprise, generating an estimated $2 million from the sale of 1000 devices each year.
Detectives will further allege the supply of these devices provided criminal networks encrypted communication platforms to avoid law-enforcement detection, including facilitating drug supply and other serious criminal activity including murders and kidnappings.
Over the last month, strike force detectives intercepted more than sixty devices and accessories from search warrants in Botany and Banksmeadow.
Following further extensive inquiries, about 7am yesterday (Thursday 9 July 2026) strike force detectives executed a further three search warrants in Kogarah, Bexley and Rockdale.
During the searches, police seized a further 35 devices, almost $35,000 in cash and luxury watches.
Two men – aged 25 and 26 – were arrested in Kogarah, and a 29-year-old man was arrested in Bexley.
All three were taken to Hurstville Police Station, where they were charged with participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, recklessly deal with proceeds of crime greater than $5000 and aid and/or abet Possess DECCD to commit serious criminal activity.
They were all refused bail to appear in Bail Division Local Court 7 today (Friday 10 July 2026).
Following inquiries about 10am yesterday (Thursday 9 July 2026) strike force detectives arrested another 26-year-old man on Greenacre Road, Greenacre.
He was taken to Bankstown Police Station, where he has been charged with participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime and aid and/or abet possess DECCD to commit serious criminal activity and possess DECCD to commit etc serious criminal activity.
The 26-year-old was refused bail to appear at Bail Division Local Court 7 today (Friday 10 July 2026).
Commander of Organised Crime Squad, Peter Faux, said taking this network down will eliminate the ability for criminals to communicate.
“This operation has struck at the heart of a criminal network that was allegedly deliberately arming organised crime groups with the tools to conceal their offending,” Det Supt Faux said.
“We have now identified over 3000 devices distributed by the VIP OCN to commit serious crimes. These devices will now be a part of the ongoing investigation as to who is using them and what they are doing.
“By dismantling this network, detectives have removed a key enabler of organised crime in NSW and reaffirmed our commitment to disrupting those who believe they can hide behind technology.”
Anyone with information that may assist investigations into organised criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.
