Four charged, bikes and paraphernalia seized as Bandidos’ Leeton clubhouse dismantled

A Bandidos clubhouse has had motorcycles and patches seized after four people were charged for an alleged extortion attempt in NSW’s Riverina region.

Four people allegedly involved in an extortion attempt have been charged after police dismantled a Bandidos clubhouse in NSW’s Riverina region as part of their crackdown on outlaw motorcycle gangs.

Heavily armed specialist police from Strike Force Yatama, set up in February to investigate the Bandidos’ Mid State chapter activities, raided the Leeton homes of two men on Thursday morning.

A clubhouse, located in the shed of one of the homes on Coolamon St, was dismantled by officers.

Police allege Bandidos paraphernalia including vests, patches and insignia were seized, as well motorcycles, documents, knives and electronic devices.

Michael Sohier, 45, and Jason James Bloomfield, 48, who police allege are both Bandidos members, were arrested at a home and nearby business.

Harley motorcycles were among items seized by police. Picture: NSW Police

They were each charged with participate criminal group contribute criminal activity; and demand property with menaces with intent to steal.

Both men were granted conditional bail in Griffith Local Court on Friday, to reappear on July 22.

Vests, patches and other Bandidos branded clothing were also confiscated. Picture: NSW Police

Pieces of Bandidos memorabilia allegedly taken by police from the Leeton clubhouse. Picture: NSW Police

On Thursday evening a man and woman were also charged with participate criminal group contribute criminal activity; and demand property with menaces with intent to steal.

Christopher Ingram, 39, was granted conditional bail in Wagga Wagga Local Court, also to reappear on July 22.

The woman, 37, was granted conditional bail to appear in Narrandera Local Court on August 19.

Strike Force Yatama investigations are ongoing.