Aussie bikie gangs extend their tentacles into Asian hot spots like Bali, Thailand and Vietnam

Australia’s biggest bikie gangs have been put on notice after extending their tentacles into southeast Asia to boost their drug networks.

Australia’s biggest bikie gangs have been put on notice after extending their tentacles into South-East Asia in a bid to boost their access to drugs and also avoid law enforcement.

The Comanchero, Bandidos, Hells Angels, Finks and Lone Wolf outlaw motorcycle gangs have all made big moves into cities across the region in recent years.

Countries such as Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam have long been popular holiday escapes for bikies, but in recent years many have set up chapters there to make them crucial hubs through which tonnes of drugs can be brought into Australia.

Australian Federal Police assistant commissioner Nigel Ryan said the new overseas bikie chapters are used to source methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine for OMCGs in Australia.

“Police operations during the past 10 years have targeted more than 30 Australian OMCG members offshore by referring intelligence and information to local law enforcement,’’ Assistant Commissioner Ryan said.

Finks OMCG members pose for a group photo in Thailand.

“With our partners in South-East Asia and via joint efforts, including through joint teams in Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, we have supported investigations into these groups and their criminal activities.

“We are making the lives of OMCG members very uncomfortable offshore. We are working with Australian and foreign partners, in some cases, to force their return to Australia to face the justice system.”

Bikie gangs including the Bandidos (pictured), Comanchero, Hells Angels and Lone Wolf have set up in South-East Asia.

A Bandidos OMCG member rides through Thailand.

While the roads between the capital cities on the east coast have long been regarded as drug highways, it is bikie gangs on the other side of Australia that are increasingly entrenching themselves in South-East Asia.

The proximity between Western Australia and Asia has led to more bikies residing there temporarily or permanently.

The AFP and other state police forces attended the Countering OMCG Conference in Vietnam in June, as part of their efforts to target Australian bikie gangs setting up overseas.

“These are not groups that care about the wellbeing of the communities they establish themselves in, or their members,’’ Asst Comm Ryan said.

“These groups are responsible for the importation and trafficking of tonnes of illicit drugs, hundreds of weapons, the laundering of millions of dollars in cash and if they feel it is necessary, murder.

“Physical borders are no longer an impediment to these groups so that’s why it’s vital that we collaborate with our international partners to ensure we can counter the impact of illicit drugs, firearms and dirty money.”