Gang Members Arrested After Police Raided Warehouse To Rescue Kidnapped Man

A former member of a motorcycle gang in Australia was abducted from his home. He was held captive at a warehouse. His kidnappers demanded around $1.5m in exchange for his release. After negotiations failed, police raided the warehouse and arrested multiple gang members. 37-year-old Dillon Mancuso was rescued from the warehouse. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries inflicted by his captors.

On Tuesday, June 1 morning Mancuso and another 61-year-old man were in Bringelly, south-west Sydney, Australia. A group of men forced their way into the home. They assaulted the two men and dragged Mancuso out of the home. They forced him into a waiting vehicle outside. The men, one of whom was armed, took the victim to an industrial warehouse in Marigold Street, Revesby.

The older man who had been assaulted and left behind reported the incident to the police. Around 3:00 a.m. local time police arrived at the home from where the man had been taken. The victim of the assault had sustained minor injuries, The Australian reported.

Shortly after the abduction, the kidnappers sent a message demanding a ransom for Mancuso’s release. Along with the random demand they send a picture of the victim’s bloodied face, The Daily Telegraph reported. His eyes and mouth seemed covered with tape. Blood was seen coming from his nose and mouth. His lip appeared to be extremely swollen as a result of the beating.

Police continued to negotiate with the kidnappers till the negotiations broke down. Around 1:00 p.m. local time tactical police raided the warehouse where the man was held. The gang members reportedly set fire to the warehouse when the raid began. With the help of New South Wales fire and rescue, the fire was put out, News.com.au reported.

Eight men between the ages of 16 and 37 were arrested from inside the warehouse. Another group of three men was also arrested after they arrived at the warehouse during the raid. The police also rescued Mancuso, who was wearing nothing but his underwear. He was transported to a hospital for treatment of his injuries which were deemed non-life-threatening.

Of the men arrested seven face charges for taking/detain in company with the intent to ransom occasion actual bodily harm, special aggravated break and enter with intent – armed with a dangerous weapon, tampering with evidence with intent to mislead judicial tribunal, and participate criminal group contributes criminal activity. Three others have been charged principal in the second degree to take/detain in company with the intent to ransom occasion actual bodily harm, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity. All 10 men were denied bail and will appear in court for further hearing.