Authorities have reiterated warnings to travellers about the risks of carrying items on behalf of others, noting those caught importing illicit drugs into Australia face serious criminal penalties.
Victoria Police allege the syndicate, which began operating in Victoria before relocating to Queensland in October last year, stole more than 150 vehicles worth over $20 million before moving north.
Overall offending is rising, youth offenders remain heavily over-represented in serious street crimes, and car theft has reached its highest level in more than two decades.
The fraud involved overseas scammers contacting elderly victims by phone and email, falsely claiming their bank accounts were compromised and instructing them to buy gold to protect their savings.
The donation-backed consignment highlights both the depth of people-to-people ties with Iran and the practical role Indian civil society can play during a regional emergency.
Representing the University of New South Wales Cricket Club, Patel made headlines at just 16 by becoming one of the youngest players in Sydney Premier Cricket First Grade history after scoring more than 1,000 runs in a calendar year.
Under the new system, delivery workers will receive minimum safety-net rates ranging from $31.30 to $32 an hour, depending on the type of vehicle they use.
