FINANCIAL Crime Squad detectives have charged three men for their alleged role in the theft of 17 vehicles worth more than $750,000.

Strike Force Alboraya was established by State Crime Command’s Financial Crime Squad Motor Unit to investigate a criminal syndicate’s involvement in alleged motor vehicle theft.

Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives arrested a 35-year-old man in Annandale about 5.45pm on Thursday 29 October 2024,.

The man was taken to Newtown Police Station, where he was charged with four offences related to the theft of motor vehicles, and participating in a criminal group.

He was refused bail and appeared in Newtown Local Court on Wednesday 30 October 2024.

About 12pm on Wednesday 6 November 2024, officers attached to Mid North Coast Police District attempted to stop two men in an allegedly-stolen vehicle at Warrell Creek.

A pursuit was initiated on two occasions but terminated due to safety concerns before road spikes were successfully deployed on the M1 at Kempsey.

One of the occupants of the car – a 33-year-old man – allegedly attempted to carjack other vehicles before running into bushland.

The other occupant – a 34-year-old man – allegedly attempted to continue to drive the car, but then ran into nearby bushland.

A short time later, both men were arrested and taken to hospital after the older man suffered a medical episode.

The younger man required treatment for injuries sustained fleeing from police.

The men were then taken to Port Macquarie Police Station, where they were charged with offences relating to the police pursuit, refused bail, and appeared in Kempsey Local Court the next day.

Following further inquiries, about 10am on Tuesday 19 November 2024, strike force detectives attended a correctional centre on the Mid North Coast where they re-arrested two men, aged 33 and 34.

The younger man was charged with 38 offences including 20 motor vehicle theft-related charges, five counts of aggravated break and enter, and three police pursuits.

The older man was charged with nine offences, including six motor vehicle theft-related charges.

Police will allege in court the three worked together to steal cars for the purpose of financial gain.

Investigators have recovered nearly all the vehicles believed stolen.