MELBOURNE, VIC. — Detectives from Taskforce Echo yesterday charged two outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) associates as part of an investigation into an alleged extortion.
With assistance from the VIPER Taskforce, search warrants were executed yesterday morning at residential addresses in Keilor, Strathtulloh and Eynesbury.
Three men, a 36-year-old from Strathtulloh, a 27-year-old from Eynesbury and a 21-year-old from Keilor were taken into custody.
Two OMCG associates – a 36-year-old from Stratulloh and a 27-year-old Eynesbury man – have been charged with extortion and public display of prohibited insignia.
It is believed to be the first time the display of prohibited insignia charge has been laid.
The duo appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court yesterday.
The 21-year-old man was released pending further enquiries.
Detectives seized mobile phones, outlaw motorcycle gang clothing and a carpet cutter from the addresses.
Last Friday, July 31, two men wearing Comanchero OMCG hoodies attended the victims’ workplace in the northern suburbs, where it will be alleged they demanded $10,000 in cash immediately, followed by a further $40,000, over a jet ski hire dispute.
Both men – who were armed with a carpet cutter – allegedly said they knew the home addresses of the victims and made threats to burn the business down if they failed to pay the funds.
No cash was handed over.
The victims were not physically injured during the incident.
Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
