Fear of gang violence after bikies attend Chaouk funeral

OFF THE WIRE
John Silvester
August 17, 2010POLICE fear the violent feud between the Chaouks and another Lebanese family could escalate if national bikie gangs become involved.

About 15 members of the Hells Angels attended Macchour Chaouk's funeral in Melbourne yesterday in a show of strength. Chaouk's son, Ali, is believed to be a prospect with the gang.

Law enforcement intelligence experts have been concerned over growing links between Lebanese crime cells and bikies. Some bikie gangs, once influenced by white supremacists and espousing racist views, now encourage ethnic membership. Sydney police say two of the most violent gangs, the Comanchero and Notorious, have strong Lebanese membership.

Melbourne detectives say a recent increase in bikie gangs and growing tension over turf have led to recruitment drives. One investigator said some of the recruits of Middle Eastern origin were seen as valuable to the gangs as they often had strong firearm and drug connections. ''It is all about guns and drugs,'' he said.

Melbourne detectives are liaising with NSW and Australian Federal Police officers over the Chaouk murder. The family has strong links to a group of violent criminals in Sydney.

When Macchour Chaouk's son, Mohamed, was shot dead by police in 2005, there were concerns Sydney associates would travel to Melbourne seeking revenge.

Meanwhile, police have met relatives and friends of Macchour Chaouk to tell them to leave the investigation to police. Deputy Commissioner Sir Ken Jones warned them not to take the law into their own hands.

The investigation centres on a feud between the Chaouk and Haddara families. Police have not yet charged anyone over the murder.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald