[h=3]Ex-Soldier Extorts $1.4 Million from Casino[/h]6 December 2001
AUSTRALIA Dec. 6, 2001 As reported by the West Australian: "A former British SAS soldier used his extensive military knowledge to extort $2 million (US$1.4 million) from Burswood Casino, the District Court was told yesterday."Roger Sidney William Payne, 55, of Westfield, kidnapped and drugged a police officer and forced him to strip naked during the well-planned crime.
"Payne confessed to extortion, threats to kill and threats to influence.
"More than 5000 people were evacuated from the casino on September 1 after he sent a detailed ransom note demanding $2 million.
" Payne has more than 30 years experience in the British military, is a recipient of the Order of Australia medal in the military division and listed army chief Lt-Gen. Peter Cosgrove as a referee.
"Prosecutor Sarah Linton said Payne sent a four-page ransom letter to the casino on August 31, threatening to detonate bombs hidden at the resort if he was not paid.
" The next day, Payne rang the casino and demanded the courier take the money to the McDonald's restaurant carpark in Maddington.
"When the courier arrived, Payne pulled out a replica semi-automatic handgun and got into the man's car. He told the courier to drive to a remote location in Kenwick or be shot in the back of the head.
"The courier, an undercover police officer, did not know the gun was a fake. He was forced to drink a sleeping potion and strip naked before being made to run away.
" Police caught Payne two days later in the Kenwick location when he tried to retrieve the money. He wrote a second threatening letter to the casino from jail.
" Payne drew on his military knowledge to make detailed threats and ensure the casino reacted "
AUSTRALIA Dec. 6, 2001 As reported by the West Australian: "A former British SAS soldier used his extensive military knowledge to extort $2 million (US$1.4 million) from Burswood Casino, the District Court was told yesterday."Roger Sidney William Payne, 55, of Westfield, kidnapped and drugged a police officer and forced him to strip naked during the well-planned crime.
"Payne confessed to extortion, threats to kill and threats to influence.
"More than 5000 people were evacuated from the casino on September 1 after he sent a detailed ransom note demanding $2 million.
" Payne has more than 30 years experience in the British military, is a recipient of the Order of Australia medal in the military division and listed army chief Lt-Gen. Peter Cosgrove as a referee.
"Prosecutor Sarah Linton said Payne sent a four-page ransom letter to the casino on August 31, threatening to detonate bombs hidden at the resort if he was not paid.
" The next day, Payne rang the casino and demanded the courier take the money to the McDonald's restaurant carpark in Maddington.
"When the courier arrived, Payne pulled out a replica semi-automatic handgun and got into the man's car. He told the courier to drive to a remote location in Kenwick or be shot in the back of the head.
"The courier, an undercover police officer, did not know the gun was a fake. He was forced to drink a sleeping potion and strip naked before being made to run away.
" Police caught Payne two days later in the Kenwick location when he tried to retrieve the money. He wrote a second threatening letter to the casino from jail.
" Payne drew on his military knowledge to make detailed threats and ensure the casino reacted "