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Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Australia - Three arrests in bikie gang crackdown

OFF THE WIRE

news.smh.com.au
A 23-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder during a major operation by NSW Police against outlaw motorcycle gangs in Sydney.
The 23-year-old, an alleged member of the Comanchero gang, was arrested just before midday (AEDT)after police allegedly found a firearm.
Along with attempted murder, he has been charged with selling firearms on an ongoing basis, three counts of unauthorised sale of prohibited firearm and two counts of unauthorised possession of a prohibited firearm.
Advertisement: Story continues below He is one of three men who were arrested on Tuesday after police executed a string of raids relating to firearm offences, tax fraud and the shooting of an alleged bikie gang member at Doonside in western Sydney last year.
He was refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on Wednesday.
A 26-year-old was arrested in Rhodes at 9.45am (AEDT) relating to a financial document. During a subsequent search warrant police located and seized further bank cheques as well as three pistols.
A 19-year-old man - also an alleged associate of the Comanchero - was arrested and charges are expected to be laid against both men.
Police also executed 12 search warrants at various businesses and residences across the city and have so far seized financial documents, drugs and cash.
The operation was part of Strike Force Edinburgh, which was set up in April last year to investigate outlaw motorcycle gangs involved in alleged firearm offences and tax fraud.
It led the inquiries into the shooting of a 24-year-old man in Doonside on November 29 last year.
"The NSW Police Force takes seriously all suspected illegal conduct by organised groups and gangs," said Detective Acting Superintendent Wayne Hayes, Acting Gangs Squad Commander, in a statement on Tuesday.
Anyone with information about such crimes is urged to contact their local police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.