POLICE have made the first arrests linking violent armed robberies by the Apex gang to organised Middle Eastern crime outfits. Detectives say that accused organised crime figure Mahmoud Taha mentored two 17-year-old Apex members and commissioned them to commit frightening raids on two jewellery stores, in Coburg and the city, within just 90 minutes on July 7. Mr Taha, 19, is accused of supplying the “tools” used by the teenagers in the frightening heists. The teens, dressed in balaclavas and hoodies, arrived at both premises, in Sydney Rd and Russell St, in a stolen car and stormed in wielding hammers and sledgehammers. Mr Taha is alleged to have then met them at a Caroline Springs shopping centre, where they handed over jewellery valued at up to $200,000. The court heard Mr Taha contacted the boys about buying them clothing from Target to commit the robberies in. It is alleged he also contacted them afterwards, asking: “Did you get the stuff? Was it from the second job? Was it a lot?” The teens, who are both charged with armed robbery, car theft and criminal damage, were denied bail. One of them claims he was at sport training at the time of the second robbery. The other’s robbery charge is believed to relate to liaising and organising the crimes. Two other teens were arrested at the Coburg scene after being restrained by members of the public. Meanwhile, four teenagers three aged 18 and one 16, have been arrested over home burglaries in Mitcham, Blackburn and Park Orchards early yesterday. The Park Orchards victim was taken from his home and driven to an ATM where he was forced to withdraw cash. A woman was also reportedly threatened during the crime spree.