Police have charged five people that are not related to the disappearance of Sydney model Revelle Balmain 27 years ago.
While renewing the search for evidence into the cold case of the 1994 disappearance of the 22-year-old model, NSW Police allege they have now identified a Serbian organised crime syndicate.
Revelle went missing on November 5, 1994, from the Sydney suburb of Kingsford. Her makeup bag, keys, and a shoe were later found scattered near Ainslie Street. She was reported missing that evening, and has not been seen or heard from since. A coronial inquest in 1999 found that she died at the hands of a person or persons unknown, with the matter then being referred to the unsolved homicide unit.
A new search to find Revelle was announced earlier this week, with police revealing they charged five men after dismantling an alleged syndicate, which was accused of growing cannabis and the coordinated theft and sale of luxury goods.
During the search of four properties at Maroubra and Randwick, as well as at a crime scene in Surry Hills, officers found 102 cannabis plants and 8kg of dried cannabis, equalling a street value of more than $400,000.
In addition, police have uncovered a treasure trove of suspected stolen luxury goods, including designer handbags, clothing, shoes, and watches, as well as high-end wine and spirits, with a total potential street value of more than $150,000.
Five men aged between 50 and 65 were arrested and taken to Surry Hills Police Station. All five men were refused bail and are now due to face court.
Strike Force Aramac is continuing its investigation into Revelle’s disappearance, and a $1 million NSW Government reward remains in place for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of people responsible for her suspected murder.
It is not suggested that any of the five arrested men had anything to do with Revelle’s disappearance.
Strike Force Aramac lead investigator Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Bell said on Tuesday that police were reviewing all available evidence. “This includes whether Revelle was scheduled to meet with any individuals – clients, friends or associates – previously unknown to police on the evening of her disappearance,” he said. “The locations that are being searched today will be subject to an extensive forensic examination by specialist officers.
“We are now exploring a new line of inquiry and believe these locations are of significance and will help us progress the investigation. I want finalisation for the family.”
