Gangsters' Secret Phones Seized by Police

Organised crime detectives in NSW have dismantled an encrypted phone network allegedly used by Sydney's gangsters and their overseas bosses to facilitate serious criminal activities. Over 3000 specialized, camera-less phones imported from China by a group calling itself the VIP Network were seized. These devices, sold for $2000 each, were allegedly used to carry out drug deals, kidnappings, and murders.

In recent weeks, police conducted raids across Sydney, recovering hundreds of these devices and arresting three brothers: Hussein, Sami, and Hasan Dabaja. They face charges including participating in a criminal group and dealing with proceeds of crime. Detectives believe the VIP Network generated approximately $2 million annually by selling these phones, which were reportedly used in feuds between crime families like the Alameddine and Coconut Cartel.

NSW Police broadcast a warning message to users of the VIP Network phones, stating their accounts had been linked to a criminal network. The operation has crippled a key enabler of organised crime in NSW, removing the tools used by criminals to conceal their offending. The collapse of the VIP Network is a significant blow to Sydney's underworld, which has seen increased arrests and violence over the past two years.