Nomads MC member charged with sexual assault

Sydney, Australia (March 5, 2019) BTN — A member of the Nomads motorcycle club has been charged after allegedly having sexual intercourse with a 12-year-old girl he met at a train station in Sydney's south-west. 

Police will allege in court the pair spoke at a railway station and while on the train, before the 27-year-old man led the girl to a home in Chester Hill and sexually assaulted her on February 14. Following inquiries, detectives attended a Chester Hill home in the early hours of February 28, where the man was arrested after a violent struggle.

One officer broke their hand and another received leg injuries during the altercation, police said. The man was taken to Bankstown Police Station, where he was treated by paramedics for a head injury before being taken to hospital for further treatment.

Police charged the man with having sexual intercourse with a child aged between 10 and 14, and resisting or hindering a police officer in execution of their duty. A bedside hearing was conducted, and he was refused bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court on March 13. The man remains in hospital under police guard.

SOURCE: The Sydney Morning Herald

Police target schools to prevent future MC members

Sydney, Australia (March 3, 2019) BTN — ACT police have set their sights on the one commodity bikie clubs could not operate without — a steady stream of new members. Senior officers said after years chasing the drugs, money and leadership figures within motorcycle clubs, it was time for a change in tack. While those areas would still be a priority, Detective Superintendent Scott Moller said ACT Policing was stepping up their efforts to work with young, vulnerable men targeted as potential motorcycle club recruits. 

Superintendent Moller said one of the great frustrations for police was motorcycle club members convincing young people that the club could improve their life — offering fast money, friendships and a culture that would rally around them and protect them.

He said part of police's efforts would be to shatter that bikie club image, and expose the "false promises" made to young men putting on club colours for the first time. "That's where a big part of this battle will be won," Superintendent Moller said. "Really showing the true elements of outlaw motorcycle gang life, and how people get used."

Superintendent Moller said the club members police most often interacted with were the newest, who were pushed into the highest-risk and most dangerous tasks. He said the rewards offered in organised crime for that kind of work simply were not worth the risks taken. "You've got these young people making really poor decisions with their life, and being used by significant organised crime figures," he said.

"The front line in the new battle between police and bikie clubs was not in clubhouses, but in high schools."

ACT police and other youth services said the clearest signs of trouble could be seen at school — particularly young people struggling in class, running into trouble or simply not turning up at all. Police rely heavily on services like the PCYC and Menslink to work with teenagers at risk of falling into a spiral of homelessness, substance abuse and crime, and becoming easy targets as potential gang recruits.

"The biggest problem we see is when young people start disengaging from education, and start mixing with people that are probably less desirable to be around," Cheryl O'Donnell from Canberra's PCYC said. PCYC runs 20-week "intensive diversionary programs" for teenagers referred to them by police, schools or the judicial system. The programs focused on steering kids away from crime and substance abuse, and putting them back into either education or employment. 

Young men craving a connection Canberra-based youth service Menslink operates in a similar space, targeting young men they identified as lacking social connection and role models. Peter Davis from Menslink said when young men did not have figures to look up to, bikies and other crime figures were happy to fill that void. "A lot of the time it's not money and prestige [young men] are looking for, it's the connection," he said. "So if they can get that connection here, they don't need that connection on the wrong side."

Mr Davis said senior bikies were just exploiting some of society's most vulnerable young people. "They're making a lot of money using young guys to do the hard work for them. That's part of the message that we're trying to get across," he said. Superintendent Moller said going after the young people that wound up filling the junior ranks of gangs was a strategy with plenty of promise. "What we need to do now is restrict the recruitment," he said. "That's something that ACT Policing is working quite hard on doing."

With four motorcycle clubs operating in the ACT, along with other non-bikie organised criminal networks, Superintendent Moller said the strategy was not without its challenges. But he said police were willing to invest in the idea for the long run. "We've got to really spend some effort, spend some time, working on restricting the recruitment into these criminal gangs," he said.

SOURCE: ABC News

Bandidos MC publicly deny drug bust involvement

Melbourne, Australia  (February 11, 2019) BTN —  Two men faced court over a major $1.3 billion drug bust linked to a Mexican cartel as the Bandidos bikie club made an extraordinary statement condemning meth trafficking.

Federal police revealed on Friday that they had intercepted 1.7 tonnes of methamphetamine bound for Australia – the largest meth seizure ever recorded on US soil and the biggest intercepted drug haul bound for Australia. Police said the record haul demonstrated a clear link between local outlaw bikie clubs and extremely sophisticated Mexican drug cartels.

Bandidos MC Clubhouse in Melbourne

But the Bandidos motorcycle club released an unusual statement on Monday, hotly denying having any link to the major haul. The drugs were "artfully concealed" inside a shipment of loudspeakers on a ship in Los Angeles, US authorities said.

Van Dung Le, 31, and Chi Cuong Vu, 25, faced Melbourne Magistrates Court after being extradited from Sydney last week.

Mr Vu, who appeared in court wearing a grey T-shirt with the word "obey" on the front, is charged with attempting to import a commercial quantity of methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin between October 28 last year and January 23. Mr Le, from the Sydney suburb of Hinchinbrook, is accused of importing methamphetamine to the Victorian town of Donnybrook as recently as last week.

Australian Federal Police display some of the drugs that were seized

He is charged with importing drugs since October last year.

Mr Vu, from Sydney's Bonnyrigg Heights, and Mr Le were remanded in custody.

The court heard Mr Le was withdrawing from cocaine.

Their appearances came after American nationals Nasser Abo Abdo, 52, and Leonor Fajardo, 46, who were both living in the Victorian town of Woodstock, faced court last Friday alongside 31-year-old Tuan Ngoc Tran, of Keilor Downs.

The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald revealed Mr Abo Abdo, 52, had been a prominent figure in the audio equipment industry in California and ran a series of companies selling stereos, speakers, subwoofers and digital amplifiers.

The Alphasonik-branded audio equipment case used to smuggle the methamphetamines

Photos distributed by police showed the intercepted drugs were hidden inside boxes carrying the names Audiobahn and Alphasonik, two of the speaker companies operated by Mr Abo Abdo.

US court records show that Mr Abo Abdo filed for bankruptcy in California in 2008, claiming liabilities of US$4.6 million. His debts were discharged in 2010.

All five men have been remanded in custody and are due to return to court on June 17.

The Bandidos motorcycle club has rebuffed any suggestion it is linked to the drug haul, saying the distribution and possession of ice goes against the club's spirit and culture.

Bandidos MC Statement

"We, like most Australians, shared a sigh of relief that these drugs never reached our shores," the Bandidos said in a statement on Monday.

"The Bandido Motorcycle Club vehemently distance ourselves from this insidious scourge on humanity, in every way, shape and form.

"We categorically refute any suggestion of involvement whatsoever, in this or any other matter concerning ice." 

-Bandidos Motorcycle Club

AFP assistant commissioner Bruce Hill said on Friday a Mexican cartel, which he declined to name, was allegedly behind the drugs.

"The cartel is among one of the most powerful and violent drug trafficking syndicates in the world," he said.

SOURCE:  Bay 93.9

Bandidos MC member allegedly threatens cop

St. Marys, New South Wales, Australia (January 8, 2019) BTN — A senior member of the St Marys Bandidos Motorcycle Club has fronted Penrith Court on Monday after he allegedly threatened a St Marys police officer last week.

Police allege the 29-year-old St Clair man went to the St Marys police station on Thursday and threatened one of the officers.

The man was being investigated after Strike Force Raptor detectives raided his home in November of last year and allegedly seized drugs, various prescription medications and a gun safe containing a 12-guage shotgun, ammunition and various documentations.

The raid was part of ongoing operation Strike Force Raptor which served a firearms prohibition order to the then 28-year-old man at a St Clair home on Saturday November 3.

SOURCE: Daily Telegraph

The movie "Outlaws" premieres Worldwide

Australia  (December 27, 2018) BTN — After playing the Toronto International Film Festival back in 2017, the Australian motorcycle club drama formerly known as 1% is finally coming to theaters, but with a new title and an early 2019 release date.

The film is now known as "Outlaws", and it follows Matt Nable as the Copperheads motorcycle club leader Knuck who has been busy doing a three-year stint in prison. 

Meanwhile, Paddo (Ryan Corr) has been keeping everything in order, even turning quite the handsome profit for the club. So when Knuck returns, there’s a bit of a conflict as to whether Paddo should keep leading, or if they go back under the old leader. Violence and biker loving ensues, as you can see in the Outlaws trailer below.

The trailer doesn’t bring anything fresh to the table when it comes to the motorcycle club drama. Of course there’s dissension among the club, and of course there are plenty of girlfriends supporting the dudes in this club, and of course they have fun in between bar fights and stand-offs at gun point. This is a motorcycle club movie! That explains why The Playlist wrote in their review last year when the movie was still called 1%:

But maybe audiences will see something they like in this movie. After all, even though the "Motorcycle Gang" subgenre has tropes, perhaps there are enough people out there who don’t get enough of them to really be frustrated by a lack of originality. Or maybe there are audiences who just don’t care and will watch it anyway.

After all, Sons of Anarchy stuck around for years and Mayans MC picked up the mantle and delivers more of the same. Audiences seem to like feeling comfortable more than they like originality, and that’s the way the cookie crumbles. The Biker Trash Network placed this under the tags of Propaganda and Cartoon 

Outlaws hits theaters on February 1, 2019.

SOURCE: Slash Film

Bandidos MC member busted with pot crop

Sydney, AU (November 29, 2018) BTN — A senior member of the Bandidos motorcycle club will face court today after Strike Force Raptor located an elaborate hydro set-up in a bunker under a Western Sydney home, NSW Police say.

As part of ongoing targeting of criminal networks operating in NSW, the Criminal Groups Squad’s Strike Force Raptor attended a property at East Kurrajong about 7.30am yesterday (Tuesday 27 November 2018) to conduct a Firearms Prohibition Order (FPO) search.

Officers spoke with the subject of the FPO – a 41-year-old man – and his partner and two kids before commencing the search.

During the search, police located a hidden trapdoor which lead to an underground bunker which contained an elaborate hydroponic set-up.

A crime scene was established, and a short time later, Strike Force Raptor, assisted by specialist forensic officers, executed a crime scene warrant to dismantle the set-up. Police were also assisted at the location by an agronomist, Integral Energy, and Fire & Rescue NSW.

During the warrant, Strike Force Raptor seized 164 cannabis plants at various stages of maturity, 2kg of dried cannabis, and equipment used in the hydroponic cultivation of cannabis.

The 41-year-old man was arrested at the property and taken to Windsor Police Station.

He was charged with enhanced indoor cultivation for a commercial purpose, two counts of supply prohibited drug, and operate drug premises.

The man, who is a senior member of the Bandidos motorcycle club, was refused bail to appear at Windsor Local Court.

Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009 and conducts proactive investigations and intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and disrupt conflicts, and dismantle any network engaged in serious organised criminal activity.

SOURCE: Daily Telegraph

Gladiators MC: Member charged with animal cruelty and growing weed

Grafton, NSW, Australia  (October 16, 2018) BTN — A life-member of the Gladiators motorcycle club has been charged after Raptor North located prohibited drugs and weapons, and the RSPCA seized animals from a property near Grafton, NSW Police say.

On September 30, 2018, officers from the Criminal Groups Squad’s Strike Force Raptor North and Coffs/Clarence Police District attended a rural property at Lanitza for the purpose of a Firearms Prohibition Order (FPO) search.

While attempting to locate the subject of the FPO – a 36-year-old man – officers located a small cannabis crop growing on the property.

They also located a .303 rifle in long grass a short distance from the main homestead. It has been seized for forensic and ballistic examination.

Further, Raptor North located a number of animals that appeared to be malnourished, had limited access to clean water, and some were locked in small cages or confined to small spaces. They also located deceased animals on the property.

A crime scene was established and following an extensive search, officers seized ten cannabis plants, cannabis, cocaine, various calibres of ammunition, a firearm scope, fireworks, and a sling shot.

Police also contacted RSPCA NSW, who attended, seized the animals and commenced an investigation.

Following extensive attempts to locate the man, he was arrested at Grafton Police Station just before 10 am Monday 15 October 2018.

He was charged with fail to provide reasonable care to animal, fail to provide water to animal, four counts of contravene firearms prohibition order, three counts of possess ammunition without authority, contravene weapons prohibition order, cultivate prohibited plant, possess prohibited plant, and two counts of possess prohibited drug.

The man was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Grafton Local Court on Monday 19 November 2018.

Investigations are continuing.

Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009 and conducts proactive investigations and intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and disrupt conflicts, and dismantle any network engaged in serious organised criminal activity.

SOURCE: Mirage News

Rebels MC: Strike Force Raptor intercepts National Run

Moree, New South Wales, AU. (October 9, 2018) BTN — Police have intercepted dozens of Rebels MC members during a week-long operation involving local and interstate officers.

The blitz, code-named "Operation Morpheus", saw officers swarm Moree, as the Rebels MC members took part in their club’s national run.

But several riders made a u-turn at Moree, and north of the town, after they were met with the men and white in blue, the commander of the club's squad said.

Strike Force Raptor raiding a Rebels MC clubhouse

As part of Operation Morpheus, the Criminal Groups Squad’s Strike Force Raptor joined their counterparts from Queensland Police Service and Victoria Police to proactively target the Rebels National Run from Sunday, September 30, 2018 to Sunday, October 7, 2018.

Operation Morpheus is a National Anti-Gangs Squad initiative, combining the resources of all Australian state and territory police agencies and key Commonwealth agencies, to detect, deter, and disrupt any illicit activity of motorccyle members and associates.

During the operation – which began in Queensland and travelled through Moree, Dubbo, Parkes and Albury – seven people were issued court attendance notices for a range of offences, including possess prohibited drug, possess drug equipment, drive while suspended, assault police, and custody of a knife in a public place.

Officers also issued 104 traffic infringement notices and 61 defect notices to several Rebels MC members, and searched 33 people; seizing cash, a knife and prohibited drugs.

Criminal Groups Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Deborah Wallace, said motorcycle club members should expect more operations such as this as interstate law enforcement agencies continue to work together.

“We know outlaw motorcycle gangs are not confined to one particular state or criminal activity, and, by working together with our interstate colleagues, it allows us a united front to further disrupt their criminal enterprises,” she said.

As part of our proactive strategies, we had several  members turn back near Moree to return to Queensland. In fact, attendance for this event was significantly lower than previous years.

Detective Superintendent Deborah Wallace

“As part of our proactive strategies, we had several Rebels MC members turn back near Moree to return to Queensland. In fact, attendance for this event was significantly lower than previous years."

“We make no apology for conducting these operations. If you are an motorcycle club member and commit any illegal activities in NSW, you should expect to deal with our Strike Force Raptor officers.”

Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009 and conducts proactive investigations and intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and disrupt conflicts, and dismantle any network engaged in serious organised criminal activity.

SOURCE: The Northern Daily Leader

Anti-bikie laws passed by Tasmanian Parliament

Tasmania, Australia (September 27, 2018) BTN — Anti-consorting laws designed to combat Motorcycle Clubs is gaining a foothold in Tasmania have passed through State Parliament.

The state's Legislative Council agonised over the legislation late into Wednesday night before holding a final vote on Thursday morning.

The House of Assembly then ticked off on changes made by the Upper House on Thursday afternoon.

The quick passage of this bill, which was only tabled in Parliament 10 days ago, follows legislation passed at the end of August to outlaw motorcycle gang members from wearing colours.

The Government hopes the anti-consorting bill will disrupt organised crime groups such as motorcycle clubs by making it illegal for a convicted offender to consort with another convicted offender within five years of being given an official warning notice.

Five amendments to the bill made by the Legislative Council were accepted by the House of Assembly on Thursday, including one that would allow a court to issue a stay on a warning notice if it was being appealed by the recipient.

Police Minister Michael Ferguson described the amendment as unnecessary and unwarranted and said he was "not happy" about it, but reluctantly agreed to ensure the bill would pass.

Upper House agonises over bill

Debate in the Legislative Council inched forward late into Wednesday night, with individual words in the legislation being singled out and objected to by Labor and independent members alike amid widespread concerns about civil rights, unintended consequences and the powers of law enforcement authorities in relation to a number of clauses and sub-clauses.

Leader of Government Business Leonie Hiscutt told opponents the Government was "very disappointed" by their stonewalling, repeatedly defending the legislation as having "the most safeguards of all the state and territories in the country".

"Police have done an enormous amount of work on this ... there's still misunderstandings of the bill," she said.

In an at-times emotional marathon sitting, independent member for Huon, Robert Armstrong, who identifies as Aboriginal, warned members they could "put the whole Aboriginal community offside" with the debate over a particular sub-clause involving traditional Aboriginal definitions of family.

"I'm not quite sure how to put this across because I've got to be careful," he said.

"It's a very sensitive issue and you could put the whole Aboriginal community offside. I just warn people ... don't dig too deep here."

'We're between a rock and a hard place'

Ms Hiscutt told the House the Tasmanian Bar had raised concerns about "possible inequities" if the bill was expanded to include a broader definition of family "to include extended family such as uncles, aunts, cousins of Aboriginal people only, creating an inequity between Aboriginal people and non-Aboriginal people".

"It would not be appropriate to allow the extended definition of family for one race of people but only immediate family member relations for others."

Ms Hiscutt said it was important not to offend but that a "broader concept of extended family" would widen the defence substantially, rendering the proposed consorting laws ineffective. But she also said "if it's the tradition, it will be respected".

Labor accused the Government of failing to consult with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community over the proposed legislation, demanding proof it had spoken with Aboriginal leaders. Independent MP Rob Valentine told the House the issue was "a very sensitive thing" and "in a sense it puts us between a rock and a hard place".

"I'm going to support the Government's amendment ... at the end of the day, it will be the Government that will have to deal with how they've chosen to go forward on this," he said.

SOURCE: ABC.net

Hells Angels MC associate charged following raid

Lilyvale, NSW. (September 27, 2018) BTN — A Hells Angels bikie has been charged after Strike Force Raptor located a rifle and an air file during a search warrant at Lilyvale, near Helensburgh.

Earlier this month, investigators from the Criminal Groups Squad’s Strike Force Raptor commenced an investigation following reports of illicit firearm supply involving the Hells Angels motorcycle club.

Strike Force Raptor executed a search warrant at a property at Lilyvale about 6.45am yesterday.

During the search, police located and seized a .22 caliber rifle and ammunition, a lever action air rifle and pellets, and steroids. A 30-year-old man was arrested at the property and taken to Sutherland Police Station.

The man, who is an associate of the Hells Angels MC, was charged with two counts each of possess unregistered firearm (non-prohibited, not pistols), Possess ammunition without holding a valid license/permit/authority, and not keep firearm safely-not prohibited firearm/pistol, and possess prohibited drug.

He was refused bail and is to appear at Sutherland Local Court today.

Inquiries are continuing.

SOURCE: The Leader

Finks MC members charged over road rage incident

Lithgow, NSW (September 24, 2018) BTN — Four members of the Finks MC have been charged by Strike Force Raptor over an alleged road rage incident in the Blue Mountains.

Just before 3.30pm on Saturday, June 9, a group of Finks MC members and associates were travelling city bound on motorcycles and in cars on the Great Western Highway, Blaxland, when they allegedly became involved in an altercation with the occupants of a white BMW at traffic lights at Layton Avenue.

Confiscated vest of a Finks MC Member

A short time later, officers from Blue Mountains Police Area Command drove across the incident and spoke to those who were on scene, however, many of the riders had already left the scene. Police were told the BMW and one of the bikes collided, causing the rider to come off the bike. He was not injured.

Members of the group then allegedly hit and kicked the BMW while the occupants remained inside.

Officers from the Criminal Groups Squad’s Strike Force Raptor also attended the scene and assisted with speaking to the remaining members of the group before commencing an investigation.

During the searches, police seized Finks MC colours and paraphernalia, cannabis, and other items relevant to the investigation.

Three Finks MC members – aged 22, 27, and 47 – were arrested during the operation and taken to Riverstone Police Station.

An unidentified Finks MC member is arrested

The 27-year-old man was charged with affray and destroy/damage property intend criminal activity of group.

He appeared at Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday, September 22.

The 22-year-old man was charged with affray, knowingly participate in criminal group assist crime, and possess prohibited drug.

The 47-year-old man was charged with affray, destroy/damage property intend criminal activity of group, and possess prohibited drug.

They were granted strict conditional bail and are due to appear at Mt Druitt Local Court on Wednesday, October 10.

A fifth search warrant was executed at a home at Dapto, where investigators arrested a 20-year-old man.

He was taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station and charged with destroy/damage property intend criminal activity of group and two counts of possess prohibited drug.

The man, who is a Finks MC prospect, was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Port Kembla Local Court on Wednesday, October 17.

Inquiries are continuing and further arrests are expected.

Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009 and conducts proactive investigations and intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and disrupt conflicts, and dismantle any network engaged in serious organised criminal activity.

SOURCE: Lithgow Mercury

Raptor police tackle NSW bikie conflict

Newcastle, AU (April 5, 2018) BTN — Thirteen alleged outlaw motorcycle club members have been charged after raids in the NSW Hunter region with a specialist police squad staying in town to stop what's being called the biggest bikie conflict in NSW.

Thirty-one properties, from Muswellbrook to Newcastle, were targeted in Thursday's large-scale sting involving more than 280 police officers cracking down on the escalating conflict between rival clubs - the Finks and the Nomads.

Weapons, explosive detonators, guns, drugs and reptiles were seized, while 11 of those arrested were charged with participating in a criminal group and two were charged with drug offences.

Strikeforce Raptor, the squad of officers most reviled by the OMCG underworld, will remain in the region to support local police until the conflict ends.

The raids follow an investigation into the ongoing "civil war" between the two clubs, believed to have begun in late 2016, when a former Nomads bikies switched allegiance by "patching over" to the Finks.

There have since been a string of incidents, from assaults to drive-by shootings and firebombings, each more serious than the last.

In an affidavit tendered to the NSW Supreme Court last week, Sergeant Gary Broadhurst said the Hunter conflict was the most significant bikie war occurring in NSW.

The 13 men charged were granted strict conditional bail, with nine scheduled to appear at Newcastle Local Court on May 3 and the remaining four due to appear at the same court on April 26.

SOURCE: The West Australian

Source: Biker Trash Network

Man found dead inside Bandidos MC Clubhouse

Melbourne, Australia (April 2, 2018) BTN — A man has been found dead at a Bandidos MC clubhouse in Melbourne north following reports of a gunshot. Police were called to Weston Street, Brunswick, after someone heard a blast about 7.20 am on Easter Monday.

The man has not been formally identified but reports of full patched Bandidos MC members could be seen consoling each other outside.

Bandidos MC Clubhouse in Melbourne, Australia 

Police and paramedics were seen at Weston Street, Brunswick, near the Bandidos clubhouse on Monday morning and police are not searching for anyone in relation to the incident. The death was not believed to be suspicious.

The Bandidos MC clubhouse has CCTV cameras and iron gates - and now there are claims a body was found inside this morning

Bandidos MC Clubhouse in Melbourne, Australia 

Their local clubhouse sits down the road from the Barkly Street shopping centre.

The clubhouse was previously the site of a wine and produce company. 

SOURCE: Daily Mail

Source: Biker Trash Network

Hells Angels MC founding member dies in car accident

Kew, Melbourne, Australia (March 27, 2018) BTN — Chris “Ball Bearing’’Coelho, a founding member of the Hells Angels in Australia — has died.

Chris Coelho, who was an integral part of the Hells Angels legendary rock n’ roll festivals in Broadford, was killed in a car accident near Kew on Friday.

Related | Hells Angels MC turns 70 years old

His wife, Dee, said it was a shock and that her husband had also been battling health issues for some time.

But Dee said he would be remembered for the mark he left, especially on the Australian music scene.

“It’s shocking what’s happened,’’ she said.

Chris “Ball Bearing’’ Coelho with his wife Dee in 2013.

“He lived a great life. It feels like it’s been cut short by this happening.

“Chris was a wonderful and genuine man. He took part in life and lived it to the fullest.

The couple in 2013.

“He was spontaneous. He liked to have parties and have fun and was also very protective of people.

“I’m amazed every single day with some of the events he was a part of. He had created very special moments for people.’’

The life of an outlaw did have its moments.

In the early years as an outlaw bikie, Coelho wore a chrome helmet and was nicknamed “Ball Bearing’’. It stuck. The avid Harley Davidson rider and guitar player had travelled the world and met the famous and infamous. Among them was riding across America with the Hells Angels’ most notable member “Sonny’’ Barger.

And Coelho would regale stories of a singalong with his musical heroes Johnny Cash, June Carter and Willie Nelson in a hotel room. But he also had other moments.

Chris “Ball Bearing’’ Coelho left the Hells Angels to get married.

Coelho lived through an internal Hells Angels split turned violent over the production of speed.

He would survive the conflict, but not before he was shot in the chest.

Aged 68 Coelho retired from the Hells Angels in 2012 after 42 years membership of the world’s most infamous outlaw motorcycle club. He had been an office bearer, including a chapter president.

But as a new breed of bikie entered the club, Coelho knew his time as an Angel was over.

He handed in his “colours’’ soon after his public arrest following a raid by police on the Angels’ Melbourne clubhouse in Fairfield. In a show of force, police had ripped off the front gates to the Heidelberg Rd chapter which was adorned with the Hells Angels “Death Head’’ insignia.

Coelho was charged for being in possession of a small amount of cannabis and an ornamental gun.

As he was escorted from the clubhouse, Coelho would have one last surprise for police investigators, who at the time were attempting to thwart a war with the Bandidos.

They all knew of “Ball Bearing’’ and as they escorted him towards the front door to cuff him, he requested to take a jacket from the cloak stand.

Chris “Ball Bearing’’ Coelho was arrested during a police raid.

Among the hoodies and jackets, he picked out his Hells Angels cut (vest) as a media throng waited outside.

It was his last public act of defiance as a Hells Angel.

Coelho has been part of the fabric of Australian music in stories told by bands such as Midnight Oil, who had played at the Broadford festival organised by the bikie club in the 1980s. Oils drummer Rob Hirst would tell of an arrow, shot into an office in Manly, and an attached note demanding they play the gig.

The note was signed “Ball Bearing”.

When they arrived in Broadford as requested, they would play until “Mr Bearing’’ raised his finger.

In 2013, Coelho told the Herald Sun his time as a Hells Angel had to end but remained friends with many of them. Part of his reasoning to “retire’’ was his impending marriage to Dee, 20 years his junior. He was also adamant he wanted no part in any emerging conflict with the Bandidos at the time.

His timing was impeccable. Within weeks the Bandidos’ Toby Mitchell had been ambushed and shot by Hells Angels. After their wedding in 2013, they rode through the middle of Australia. Coelho draped his Harley’s handlebars with Australian flags. Dee rode a smaller Harley alongside him.

Written by Anthony Dowsley

SOURCE: Herald Sun

Source: Biker Trash Network

Guns, drugs and cash seized in anti-bikie sting

Sydney, Australia (March 21, 2018) BTN — Drugs, guns, and cash were seized after police raided seven outlaw motorcycle club's linked properties across Canberra on Wednesday. A 35-year-old Evatt man was charged with firearm related offences as a result of the sting, which coincided with operations interstate as part of a national day of action targeting outlaw motorcycle clubs.

ACT police chief Justine Saunders said the raids showed bikies that the capital was a hostile jurisdiction and pledged to continue to push for tough new laws targeting criminal motorcycle clubs. The ACT hosts chapters of three major outlaw clubs, the Nomads, Comanchero, and Rebels.

A feud between the Nomads and Comanchero has been blamed for tit-for-tat violence, including drive-by shootings, in Canberra's south.

Nationally, Wednesday's day of action was led by Operation Morpheus, the national Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs taskforce, while the Canberra search warrants were conducted by ACT Policing bikie busting group Taskforce Nemesis.

Police said the raids across the capital uncovered three firearms, 270 rounds of ammunition, about 28 grams of a substance believed to be methylamphetamine, about 12 grams of a substance believed to be cocaine, and more $50,000 in cash, suspected to be proceeds of crime.

In Victoria, seven people were charged with a variety of offences and police seized motorcycles, drugs, cash, computers and more than $1 million-worth of alcohol. ACT deputy chief police officer crime Mark Walters said disrupting the illegal activities of criminal gangs was a priority for ACT Policing.

"This action is just one part of our ongoing efforts to disrupt and dismantle criminal gangs in our community," Commander Walters said.

"Taskforce Nemesis", supported by every ACT Policing officer, continues to focus on serious and organised crime and apply pressure to members of criminal gangs.

"We will continue to work collaboratively with our state, territory and Commonwealth partners to address the threats posed by criminal gangs."

Assistant Commissioner Justine Saunders said community safety was paramount and ACT Policing would continue to work with the ACT Government on laws to prevent and deter serious and organised crime and associated firearms related violence in the capital.

"Whilst I fully support the principles of the Human Rights Act that we operate under here in the ACT, I will continue to pursue legislative reform that is proportionate to the threat that serious and organised crime presents to our community," she said.

The 35-year-old Evatt man charged with firearms offences will appear before the ACT Magistrate's Court at a later date.

SOURCE: The Sydney Morning Herald

Bandidos MC making bid for Border turf

Albury, NSW, AU (March 20, 2018) BTN — The Bandidos motorcycle club are moving to establish a new chapter in the Albury-Wodonga area, according to police.

The news came to light during a case in Albury Local Court following the formation of a strike force last August. If successful, the motorcycle club would join the Black Uhlans and Gypsy Jokers, which both have local clubhouses.

Bandidos MC members stopped by police

The Albury Drug Squad and members of Strike Force Raptor, which targets bikies, conducted multiple raids against Bandidos members and associates in Albury in November and December.

They had been listening in on members and allegedly seized about 60 grams of ice hidden in a fake gas bottle during a traffic stop.

Police had formed the taskforce to tackle drug manufacturing and supply in the region, which had allegedly involved the purchase of precursor chemicals from Bunnings.

Four people, including a Wangaratta man Danny James Kearney, 26, were arrested.

Kearney, who is either a patched or prospective member of the motorcycle club, pleaded guilty to two charges on Monday.

The court heard the club was trying to establish a Border chapter and that officers had identified local members, which was followed by warrants to conduct surveillance.

The 26-year-old was caught during the phone tap planning an insurance scam worth $8460 after a car crash near Racecourse Road in Lavington on October 16.

He has also pleaded guilty to using a false document, which is linked to the use of fraudulent licences.

Clinton Roy Parkinson was also arrested during the bikie raids and charged with a string of drug supply and other offences.

He also appeared before court on Monday and said the police case was “weak as”.

“It’s got nothing to do with me,” he said.

“I don’t even know why I’m sitting here in jail.”

Solicitor Alina Yousif, who was also charged, appeared before court.

Magistrate Rodney Brender heard there was 300 gigabytes worth of material recorded by the police which had been supplied to her lawyer.

The court heard there had been moves to pin the blame on another co-accused, David Oddy, and shift the blame away from others allegedly involved.

SOURCE: The Border Mail

Source: Biker Trash Network

High ranking Finks MC member charged

Sydney, Australia (March 15, 2018) BTN  —  A high-ranking Finks bikie has been refused bail after police raids discovered guns, ammunition and drugs with an estimated street value of $4 million. Martin Francis Klein, 35, was arrested while visiting a storage case in a residential carpark in Sydney's north-west on Wednesday.

A day earlier, police had executed a search warrant on the cage at Kellyville Ridge, with officers uncovering more than 17 kilograms of MDA pills, 1.7kg of powder suspected to be cocaine, and more than 67kg of powders believed to be MDA, assorted pre-curser chemicals, two firearms, a silencer and ammunition.

An unknown member of the Finks Motorcycle Club 

Detective Superintendent Deborah Wallace said the amount of drugs uncovered was significant.

"That is capable of producing what we would say conservatively [is] 200,000 individual pills at an estimated street value of $4 million."

Following Mr Klein's arrest, police also seized a revolver, ammunition, encrypted phones, a hydrogen chloride gas cylinder and various documents during raids on a unit at the same complex and a home at Beaumont Hills.

Ammo seized from the raid

Police step up investigation of bikie feud

Detective Superintendent Wallace said the raids were part of ongoing investigations into violent conflicts between outlaw motorcycle gangs across NSW, and in particular, a dispute between the Finks and the Nomads.

"We are always investigating every crime these criminal groups and outlaw motorcycle gangs are involved in, but particularly where we're seeing violent conflicts — when we're seeing the potential of innocent people being harmed through reckless, ad hoc, random shootings — then we step it up," she said.

She said police managed conflicts between outlaw motorcycle gangs by going "straight to the cause of these conflicts which is usually over turf, money owed [or] drugs".

"So by taking out the catalyst for these disputes is often a way of resolving them for the community."

She said police would be alleging that, as a senior member of the Finks, Mr Klein was a "key player" in the drugs distribution network.

She said police were expecting to make more arrests.

"The bottom line is, if you want to get involved in these conflicts and violence then we will throw every resource we can at it."

Mr Klein on Thursday appeared at Blacktown Local Court on charges of commercial drug supply and 15 firearms offences.

He was refused bail and the matter was adjourned to Parramatta Local Court on March 22.

SOURCE: ABC dot net

Source: Biker Trash Network

Police on standby as the Hells Angels roll into town

Geelong, Melbourne, Australia (March 14, 2018) BTN — There will be a highly visible police presence across Geelong and the Surf Coast this weekend as police officers monitor a large Hells Angels MC ride. Members of the biker outfit and their families have made reservations at a hotel in Lorne.

The Grand Pacific accepted the bookings after other hotels in the town agreed to police requests not to allow the Hells Angels members to stay at their premises. It is not known at this time if the group will be in Lorne for an organised meeting or a simple social gathering.

However Inspector Gary Bruce says community safety is the force's top priority and officers will be working hard to detect and deter any public order incidents and anti-social behaviour.

SOURCE: Bay 93.9
Source: Biker Trash Network

New police task force opening to target the influx of Australian MC's to the region

Tauranga, North Island, NZ, (March 13, 2018) BTN — Police Minister Stuart Nash is in Tauranga today to launch the first new branch of the National Organised Crime Group outside of Auckland and Wellington.

A statement released by the New Zealand Police today says the task force is strategically based in Tauranga to help deal with organised crime, methamphetamine production and importation and asset recovery.

The NZ Herald reports the organised crime taskforce expansion into the Bay of Plenty is largely due to the growing numbers of Australian bikies, particularly the Comancheros and Bandidos, who have been deported from Australia for their past criminal histories and failure of the "good character" legal test.

The encroachment of the long-established Australian chapters of the Comancheros and Bandidos onto Kiwi soil comes after another Australian bikie gang, the Rebels, as well as the Head Hunters, established chapters in Tauranga over the last few years.

"Organised criminals with transnational ties are operating in the region," says Police Commissioner Mike Bush.

The appeal of Tauranga as a base for bikie gangs comes from the presence of the busiest port in the country - and the potential to smuggle large drug quantities through it on container ships.

"Tauranga is an area of growth for New Zealand and good people are setting themselves up in Tauranga," Assistant Commissioner Richard Chambers said in anticipation of the opening.

"Organised criminals are too. Being on their back doorstep is the right thing to do."

Making up the new team will be six detectives focusing exclusively on organised crime in the Tauranga region, and reporting back to the larger police base in Wellington.

New Zealand police have for years now warned of the threat deported "Kiwi" gang members, many who have spent the majority of their lives in Australia, would in time strengthen New Zealand gangs and increase their criminal efficiency.

SOURCE: TVNZ

Source: Biker Trash Network

Biker war veteran shoved by cops during charity motorcycle run files complaint

Woodenbong, New South Wales, AU  (March 11, 2018) BTN — A war veteran says he has filed formal complaints about the behaviour of police who conducted a mass stop of motorcycle riders on a charity run in northern New South Wales.

Biker Michael Parr being hassled by the police 

About 150 riders were pulled over in Woodenbong at the weekend as part of a cross-border operation targeting outlaw criminal motorcycle clubs. Police allege officers seized a prohibited weapon, and issued 21 defect notices and 50 traffic infringements.

One man was also charged with using offensive language.

One of the riders, 58-year-old Michael Parr, said there was a single member of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club on the ride, with the rest coming from social clubs.

“We had probably 20 to 30 social clubs on that ride, 97 registered bikes on the ride, all social club members,” he said. “Ages from about 18 through to 60, various physical conditions, males and females.”

Mr Parr has alleged he was shoved by one of the officers involved, and said as a returned serviceman and member of the Veterans Motorcycle Club he expected better treatment. Biker Trash Network

“I leaned forward to him to say you are not going to disrespect me,” he said. “I’ve gone overseas to fight for this country. I’ve got my ribbon bars on my vest and you are showing me no respect. “Then he turns around and shoves me, so how do you think I feel?”

Operation a crime prevention strategy, police say

But police have dubbed the joint-agency operation a success, saying it enforced consorting legislation, firearm and traffic laws.

Officers from the New South Wales Police Force, Queensland Police Service and Australian Federal Police carried out 70 random breath tests, 30 drug tests and 69 bike and person searches as part of Operation Chappell.

Tweed-Byron crime manager, Detective Chief Inspector Brendon Cullen, said the operation aimed to disrupt any potential criminal activity on the cross-border run.

“I would say that we intercepted the people before offences were committed, and that was the whole strategy of the operation,” he said. “To stop them as soon as they come across the border so they do not commit offences in this state. “So from that perspective I would say that’s very successful.”

Detective Chief Inspector Cullen said the operation targeted people who chose to associate with members of outlaw motorcycle gangs.

“This operation wants to send a clear message for those who associate with these people who claim to be that 1 per cent of the population that doesn’t abide by the law,” he said. “We will intercept them if they come across the border into New South Wales. We’ll use the legislation that is available to us to make them unwelcome in our state.”

Lawyer questions safety of mass stop

A Queensland lawyer said he was disgusted by the attitude of police during the operation.

Chris Main, from Alibi Criminal Defence, said he had been phoned by one of the riders involved, then called police at the scene to raise his own concerns.

Mr Main said he questioned the safety of pulling a large group of people over on the side of the road, including a diabetic rider who needed water and to relieve himself.

“I was quite disgusted to hear that the police view, after listening to what I had to say about safety and the comfort of the riders, their view [was]‘I don’t care, we’re going to do what we like’,” he said.

Mr Main said as a civil libertarian, he was drawn to the case.

“Motorcycle enthusiasts are a group of people who like motorcycles. That is not criminal,” he said. “If government or police or whatever group suspects someone of criminality, well then they can build a case, and they can charge them for that criminal act" he said.

“I don’t think it’s suitable or appropriate for Parliament to make laws which allow police to criminalise people, anyone, just on the company that they choose or the hobbies they decide to undertake.”

SOURCE: BrinkWire