Fourteen people have been arrested during a series of raids across Melbourne as part of a police investigation into blackmail, extortion and assaults linked to the Comancheros bikie gang.
Police in Melbourne executed warrants at 18 properties targeting the outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) early this morning. They searched addresses across Melbourne's suburbs, including Gladstone Park, Thomastown, and Dallas in the north, and Hampton Park, Cranbourne North and Carrum Downs in the south-east.
Searches also took place at a factory in Epping and a licensed premises in Thomastown.
Investigators said the raids were connected to an investigation into a shooting at Greenvale on March 25 where a number of shots were fired into an empty car and garage. Police said they had also been looking into allegations of blackmail and extortion linked to that shooting, as well as assault offences.
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Tess Walsh said the Comancheros had been a focus for police this year.
"We've made it clear this year through a number of operations, warrants and arrests that it doesn't matter what link you have to OMCGs, if you're engaging in or enabling criminal activity then police are going to hold you accountable for it," she said in a statement.
"We know the Comancheros have traditionally been involved in serious and violent crimes such as shootings, assaults, arson, drug trafficking and extortion.
"Today's warrants highlight Victoria Police's strong focus on the criminal activities of OMCGs and this is something that is going to continue."
Australia - BN.
Police in Melbourne executed warrants at 18 properties targeting the outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) early this morning. They searched addresses across Melbourne's suburbs, including Gladstone Park, Thomastown, and Dallas in the north, and Hampton Park, Cranbourne North and Carrum Downs in the south-east.
Searches also took place at a factory in Epping and a licensed premises in Thomastown.
Investigators said the raids were connected to an investigation into a shooting at Greenvale on March 25 where a number of shots were fired into an empty car and garage. Police said they had also been looking into allegations of blackmail and extortion linked to that shooting, as well as assault offences.
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Tess Walsh said the Comancheros had been a focus for police this year.
"We've made it clear this year through a number of operations, warrants and arrests that it doesn't matter what link you have to OMCGs, if you're engaging in or enabling criminal activity then police are going to hold you accountable for it," she said in a statement.
"We know the Comancheros have traditionally been involved in serious and violent crimes such as shootings, assaults, arson, drug trafficking and extortion.
"Today's warrants highlight Victoria Police's strong focus on the criminal activities of OMCGs and this is something that is going to continue."
Australia - BN.
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