OFF THE WIRE
BY DAN PROUDMAN CHIEF POLICE REPORTER
08 Sep, 2010 12:00 AM
GANGS squad detectives yesterday arrested three men and raided four properties after an investigation into the alleged extortion of several Hunter tattoo shops by members of the Rebels bikie gang.
Two Rebels members and the Newcastle chapter's Wickham clubhouse were targeted in a series of raids by heavily armed police including members of the high-profile bikie squad Strike Force Raptor.
It follows an operation into alleged extortion demands in tattoo parlours in Port Stephens and surrounding areas, police said.
Along with the arrests and raids, police allegedly seized items including hydroponic plants, cannabis leaf and crystal methamphetamine.
The three men were arrested after police pulled over a car on the Pacific Highway, Bennetts Green, about 11.15am yesterday.
Two men, aged 48 and 44, are believed to be members of the Rebels bikies. A third man, 41, was also arrested.
The men were charged with demanding money with menaces, knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime, and participating in criminal groups.
They were refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today.
Strike Force Crinan was established specifically to investigate alleged extortion rackets targeting tattoo shops by members of the Rebels bikie gang, police said.
Detectives yesterday raided properties in Kahibah, Kitchener and Hamilton South.
Police swarmed the club's Newcastle chapter headquarters in Throsby Street after cutting through a roller door.
It is the second time the clubhouse was raided in less than four months following an unrelated investigation into the bashing of a man in May.
Armed police wearing flak jackets bearing the word "Raptor" searched the clubhouse for most of the afternoon.
Strike Force Raptor was established by the State Crime Command's drug squad to specifically target outlaw motorcycle gang members and their associates allegedly involved in criminal enterprises.
