Five men are expected to be charged after an underworld associate was allegedly abducted and assaulted in Sydney overnight.
The victim, who is believed to be linked to a senior Alameddine crime network figure, was kidnapped from his home in Guildford and bundled into his own car about 11.30pm yesterday.
The group of alleged offenders had no idea that police were tracking their every move from the sky.
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The victim was driven to Villawood, where the alleged offenders swapped cars.
His dumped Ford Ranger was found partially burnt-out a short time later.
Police then swooped on the group about 12.30am after following them via PolAir to a house in Casula in the city's south-west.
Police allege the man was tied at his hands and feet before he was assaulted.
Officers broke into the home and rescued the victim.
He was treated for facial injuries and was taken to hospital in a stable condition.
Within an hour, a group of five men were arrested near the Hume Highway in Casula with the assistance of the Raptor Squad.
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Footage obtained by 9News shows police, including members of the Tactical Operations Unit, shows officers searching a nearby safehouse.
NSW Police Detective Superintendent Jason Box alleged police found a firearm, a baseball bat, other weapons and clothing allegedly worn by the men.
"The location of the kidnapping, the house where the victim was discovered, plus the vehicles that we've seized are currently being examined," Box said.
The arrested men have been taken to Liverpool Station, including a 17-year-old and four men in their 20s.
No charges have been laid.
A crime scene has been established and an investigation into the alleged abduction and assault is under way.
Police are now investigating if the incident is linked to a brewing underworld battle in Sydney.
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