Three men from Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs have been charged by police as part of an investigation into an alleged extortion linked to the Comanchero Outlaw Motor Cycle Gang (OMCG).
Detectives from the Echo Taskforce executed warrants at three residential properties in Narre Warren, Hallam and Cranbourne East, as well as a gym in Hallam from 6am on Tuesday 9 November, where three men were arrested and charged with numerous offences.
A 49-year-old Narre Warren man, who is a patched member of the Comanchero OMCG, was charged with extortion, blackmail, threat to kill and theft of a motor vehicle, while a 19-year-old Hallam man was charged with extortion, possessing steroids, failing to provide information pursuant to a 465AA order and weapons offences.
Both men were expected to face the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court that same afternoon, on Tuesday 9 November.
The third culprit, a 25-year-old Cranbourne East man, was also charged with extortion, possessing steroids, possessing proceeds of crime, failing to provide information pursuant to a 465AA order and weapons offences.
He was expected to be bailed to appear before court at a later date.
While executing the warrants, detectives also seized a number of items from the addresses including cash, weapons and steroids.
These three arrests form part of an investigation by the Echo Taskforce into an alleged extortion and subsequent threats made to two victims over the past 12 months.
Detective Inspector Dan Ryan from the Echo Taskforce said that the motorcycle gang was notorious for its criminal activity and these arrests were a great outcome for the investigation.
“The Comanchero OMCG is a group historically linked to offences of immense community harm such as extortion, so to arrest three people today as part of this investigation is an excellent result,” Det. Insp. Ryan said on Tuesday afternoon.
“We also understand how difficult it can be for victims to engage with police in these matters.
“It’s important that community is aware of the support police can provide when they are a victim of offending such as this, and that we will do everything we can to ensure those who purposely intimidate the public in this way are held to account.”
Anyone with information about OMCG activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
