News

Aussie cop implicated in string of ATM thefts, double-crossing accomplices

March 30, 2004

SYDNEY - A senior policeman has been implicated in a string of ATM thefts. Senior Constable Daniel Ryan allegedly aided his brother with the thefts -- then stole the loot from his sibling.

According to a Queensland Newspapers report, Ryan is being investigated by the Police Integrity Commission, which heard allegations of alleged double-crossing involving up to $328,000.

The Sydney Water Police officer of 16 years is accused of aiding brother Darren Ryan and an unidentified Chubb security guard in the 2001 ATM crime spree.

The Commission heard taped phone conversations between Darren and his mother, revealing Sen-Constable Ryan had been asked by his brother to bury the loot under their parents' house -- but stole it instead. He then allegedly spent it on a speedboat, a Ferrari and holidays.

Sen-Constable Ryan said his brother had given him the money, which he believed was profits from Darren's T-shirt business, to invest in property.

He claims the person he gave the money to in Melbourne, a friend known only as SV1, backed out of the deal and did not return the money.

The inquiry also heard the officer was involved in side businesses known as DNA Distributions and Frozen Concepts, involving the manufacture of frozen alcoholic daiquiris -- but he had not applied for a liquor license and had traded illegally for two years.