OFF THE WIRE
A QUEENSLAND man and his young family have reportedly fled interstate to avoid three bikie gxxgs that are hot on their trail after $1 million worth of custom-made motorcycles went missing.Jeff Richardson, the owner of Harley-Davidson customising shop Chopperworks in Albion, Brisbane, is believed to be in hiding after his company went into liquidation earlier this week, the Gold Coast Bulletin reports.
The closure of the shop has infuriated scores of bikies including Gold Coast members of the Hells Angels, Bandidos and Rebels, whose Harley-Davidson motorcycles were in the workshop.
Sources told the Bulletin that Mr Richardson received death threats over the missing bikes and that he and his family were on their way to Victoria.
The Bulletin understands Victorian police have been put on notice.
Liquidator Peter Dinoris, from Vincents, confirmed outlaw bikie gxxgs were among the creditors.
He said he had been unable to locate Mr Richardson and that police were involved.
"Security guards have been engaged to assist with the protection of the assets of the company and those of third parties," he said.
Mr Dinoris said employees of the company had been let go and the business so far had debts of more than $500,000.
"I am co-operating with police to assist with identifying any items belonging to third parties," he said.
The company's computer files were missing, hindering and delaying investigations into the affairs of the company.
"At this stage it appears there will be a substantial shortfall of assets to liabilities," he said.
Sources said a number of bikes entrusted to the business could not be accounted for.
Mr Richardson is the director of several other companies linked to bikes and cars, including Parts-Pro Pty Ltd, which is in liquidation.
Police last night could not confirm rumours that bikie Taskforce Hydra was investigating the matter.
"Police are currently investigating a number of complaints in relation to an Albion business. As the investigation is continuing, it would be inappropriate to provide any further comment," a police spokeswoman said in a statement.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/young-family-on-their-way-to-victoria-to-flee-bikie-gangs-after-1m-worth-of-motorcycles-went-missing/story-e6frf7l6-1226412412944
