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Two more arrested as part of Echo Taskforce extortion investigation

Detectives from the Echo Taskforce have arrested two more people as part of an ongoing investigation in to alleged extortions linked to the Comanchero Outlaw Motor Cycle Gang (OMCG).

A 26-year-old Cranbourne East man was arrested and has been charged with blackmail.

He was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 17 February, 2022.

A 39-year-old Preston man was interviewed and released pending further enquiries.

Warrants were also executed at business premises in Hallam and the Melbourne CBD.

Earlier this month police arrested and charged three people as part of this investigation.

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 motor vehicle.

A 19-year-old Hallam man was charged with extortion, possess steroids, fail to provide information pursuant to a 465AA order and weapons offences.

A 25-year-old Cranbourne East man was charged with extortion, possess steroids, possess proceeds of crime, fail to provide information pursuant to a 465AA order and weapons offences.

Warrants were also executed at three residential properties in Narre Warren, Hallam and Cranbourne East, as well as a gym in Hallam.

These 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.

Anyone with information about OMCG activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to crimestoppersvic.com.au

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