Australian police foil suspected hit attempt, arrest three after intercepting armed gang near Sydney daycare

SYDNEY, Oct 8 — Australian police have thwarted an alleged organised crime assassination plot near a daycare centre in Sydney, arresting three men believed to be part of a transnational criminal network.

New South Wales police intercepted two vehicles in Revesby, a suburb in the city’s southwest, yesterday after receiving intelligence that the suspects were preparing to carry out a targeted killing.

During the operation, officers seized two firearms, balaclavas, body cameras, and jerry cans filled with fuel. A third gun was later discovered during follow-up searches of vehicles and properties linked to the suspects.

Footage from the scene showed the two vehicles riddled with bullet holes.

A nearby resident told Channel Nine he heard several gunshots before seeing cars speeding away. “I walked out of my house and heard more shots — then cars were swerving everywhere,” he said.

Assistant Police Commissioner Scott Cook said the suspects were part of a transnational crime syndicate “believed to be involved in multiple conspiracies to commit murder.” He added that the intended victim had criminal ties and was targeted due to internal conflicts within the group.

“The men came very close to carrying out the hit,” Cook said, noting that the suspects did not personally know the victim but were allegedly hired by the syndicate.

“The fact that they were prepared to kill someone in an area where innocent lives — including children — could have been at risk is deeply concerning,” he said. “These individuals were under surveillance, and we acted at exactly the right time.”

The three men have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder and participation in a criminal group. They were denied bail and are scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.

Investigations are ongoing. — AFP