NSW Homicide Squad detectives investigating two 2011 murders in the Illawarra have identified a link between an organised crime network in the region and a Melbourne organised crime figure.
Strike Force Calligan, led by detectives from the NSW Homicide Squad, has been investigating a number of crimes in the Illawarra region, including the murder of Lake Heights man Saso Ristevski four years ago.
Mr Ristevski, 37, was at his parents’ home in Barina Avenue, Lake Heights, when he was confronted by a group of males about 8.30pm on September 28, 2011. He was shot and died at the scene.
Detective Chief Inspector Dave Laidlaw from the Homicide Squad said Strike Force Calligan detectives believed Mr Ristevski’s murder was the catalyst for a number of other organised crime-related incidents in the Illawarra.
‘Our investigations have centred on a number of people of Balkan background, but in the case of Mr Ristevski’s murder we now believe a number of people of non-Balkan background, including people of Pacific Islander and Caucasian appearance, may have been involved,’ Det Ch Insp Laidlaw said.
‘We also have information that there are links to an organised crime figure from Melbourne.
‘That includes links between the firearm used to shoot Mr Ristevski, which we believe was sourced in the Illawarra region, and a firearm seized by police in Victoria later that year.
‘Strike Force Calligan detectives are working closely with homicide detectives from Victorian Police as our investigations continue.’
Det Ch Insp Laidlaw said police still needed assistance from the public to obtain information about a car captured on CCTV the night Mr Ristevski was murdered.
‘The silver VS Holden Commodore was seen on CCTV prior to the murder and has distinctive mag wheels which may prompt someone’s memory,’ Det Ch Insp Laidlaw said.
‘We are particularly interested in the identity of the driver and occupants of that vehicle.’
Det Ch Insp Laidlaw urged anyone with information to assist detectives to come forward.
As well as the murder of Saso Ristveski, Strike Force Calligan detectives are also investigating the disappearance of Goran Nikolovski, 35, who was last seen at his Unanderra home just one month later on Monday 31 October 2011.
Mr Nikolovski’s silver/grey Honda Accord was found burnt out at Macquarie Pass early the following day and he has not been seen since or accessed his bank accounts.
Detectives believe he has been murdered but his body has never been found despite extensive searches of bushland in the Illawarra escarpment with the assistance of the Sydney Catchment Authority, National Parks and Wildlife Service and mines experts.
Police would still like to hear from anyone who saw Mr Nikolovski after he left his home on the Monday night or has information about his disappearance.
He was last seen wearing a light blue T-shirt, black tracksuit pants, white joggers and a black baseball cap, and police have released CCTV images of him wearing that outfit in the hope it might jog someone’s memory.
Another incident investigated by Strike Force Calligan detectives was the shooting death of Darko Janceski, 32, in the front yard of his home at Gannet Avenue, Berkeley, on Saturday April 14, 2012. A number of people have been charged over his death.
Police are urging anyone with information to assist Strike Force Calligan detectives to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/
