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Operation Kilo Zurich commenced in 2013 to investigate suspected vehicle re-birthing and drug trafficking syndicates in the Gold Coast Districts of Queensland. During the investigation it was discovered that the primary target and others had formed a criminal syndicate to facilitate drug trafficking and vehicle re-birthing, which involved motor vehicles, caravans, vessels and trailers. 

During the investigation it was also identified that members of the syndicates were employees of the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR), who were legitimising the stolen items with registrations and compliance processes.

The investigation was complex and extended across South East Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, involving the relevant Police Authorities, Crime and Corruption Commission, the Australian Federal Police, New Zealand Department of Transport, as well as other private enterprises to successfully bring the investigation to a closure.

During the investigation it was identified that an employee of DTMR was responsible for 32 fraudulent vehicle and vessel registration and 72 fraudulent licence transactions.

In total 49 offenders were charged with 247 offences, twelve of which were charged with 106 vehicle related offences. $1,021,386 worth of drugs seized, $16,188,000 in stolen property recovered.  In addition to this $10,071,450 in criminal assets and proceeds were retained.

Joint winners of the 2015 Investgation of the Year -  (L-R) Cathy Horton, Queensland Police (Operation Kilo Zurich), Australasian Branch President John Hambridge, and Luke Simpson, NSW Police (Strike Force O'Halloran),