Explained: What is a low-level bikie associate and what’s their role

The fatal stabbing of a Brisbane bikie associate has drawn into focus the hierarchy of outlaw motorcycle gangs. Here’s how it works.

They aren’t bikies, they aren’t patched members of any outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG), but they are the “soldiers” used as mules to muscle in on the streets.

At the bottom of the OMCG totem pole lies the low-level associates, treated like a “dog’s body” by the seniors of the organisation.

They take all the risks on the streets, but sometimes those risks end in bloodshed.

It comes as Levi Johnson, 23, who police believe could have connections to the Comancheros, was brutally stabbed to death in Carindale on Monday after he was allegedly attacked by a group of men who police say call themselves the “13 Kings”.

Levi Johnson was stabbed to death at Carindale.

Flowers are left at the scene of the fatal stabbing at Carindale. Picture: Dan Peled/NCA NewsWire

The group is not well known to police, but detectives say they are investigating whether it is linked to any established gang or whether it’s a feeder group for the Mongols.

Bond University criminologist and former detective Terry Goldsworthy weighed in on the hierarchies of these organisations, explaining low-level associates did all the dirty work.

“They are often tested and given tasks to make sure they are suitable recruitment material, and go and do stuff others aren’t prepared to do,” Dr Goldsworthy said.

“They are treated like a dog’s body, at the beck and call of the members and they are at the bottom of the totem pole.”

Dr Goldsworthy said these types of men, or “nominees”, often carried out crime and displays of violence.

Bond University criminologist Terry Goldsworthy

He said they can move between groups, but are ultimately trying to prove their loyalty.

Next on the hierarchy comes the OMCG members, who he describes as the “foot soldiers” at the beck and call of office holders.

“They are expected to turn up when required and undertake certain requirements.

The sergeant-at-arms was the next rank above, who he says is the “enforcer” of OMCGs.

“They enforce internal discipline, and have a group of members underneath them who are a team of enforcers.

At the top of the food chain was the vice president and president of the OMCG chapter.

“It’s not a democracy as such, they tend to call the shots.”

Criminal lawyer Bill Potts said the low-level associates were the “lost boys” who tried to join a group larger than themselves.

“Many of the low level bikie associates are vulnerable to being used, and used essentially as soldiers,” Mr Potts said.

“Bike clubs have become more fluid in the last 20 years that instead of having feeder groups … what really happens to them is that their loyalties seem to be fluid and more about people moving from club to club demonstrating loyalty, or lack of loyalty.”

Mr Potts said many of them were “rebels without a clue”.

“They are used as mules to carry drugs, used effectively as low-level muscle within the club. You have to show your chops, show your commitment essentially, and that process can take time.”