A Narre Warren man is one of four patched members and associates of the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) charged as part of an investigation into an alleged blackmail.
Detectives from the Echo Taskforce, with assistance from the VIPER Taskforce and police from the North West Metro and Western Regions, carried out searches at five addresses in Norlane, Hoppers Crossing, Narre Warren, Cranbourne East and Rowville early on Tuesday 4 October.
A 53-year-old Rowville man, a chapter vice president, was charged with blackmail and prohibited weapons possession.
A 41-year-old Narre Warren man, an official chapter bearer, was charged with blackmail.
A 35-year-old Cranbourne East man, a probationary member, was charged with blackmail and cannabis possession.
The trio was bailed to appear at Latrobe Magistrates’ Court on 11 October.
A 53-year-old Norlane man, a patched member, was charged with amphetamine possession.
He was bailed to appear at Geelong Magistrates’ Court on 18 January, 2023.
Enquiries are ongoing regarding the offence of blackmail.
A 55-year-old Hoppers Crossing woman was released pending further enquiries.
Detectives located a hydroponic set up at the Norlane address and seized cannabis plants and dried cannabis, cocaine and amphetamine.
Police also seized knuckle dusters from the Rowville address.
The charges form part of an investigation into an alleged blackmail and subsequent threats made to a victim earlier this year.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
Echo Taskforce detective acting inspector Ash Ryan stressed the importance of victim assistance when it comes criminal activites involving the Bandidos OMCG.
“Whilst we understand it can be difficult for victims to engage with police in these matters, overwhelmingly it has been shown to be the safest approach and we encourage all victims of similar matters to report them to police,” Acting insp. Ryan said.
“It’s important that the 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.”
“If they believe they can operate above the law, then they are wrong. We will continue to target their criminal activities regardless of what form that takes.
