Comanchero businesses targeted in police raids across Melbourne
GYMS, brothels and a law firm were among more than 40 businesses across Melbourne raided by police in a major operation against the Comanchero bikie gang.
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GYMS, brothels and a law firm were among more than 40 businesses across Melbourne raided by police in a major operation against the Comanchero bikie gang.
Police say 44 warrants — including one on a solicitor’s office — were executed on Wednesday as part of a money-laundering probe.
Alcohol worth $1 million was seized, along with drugs, a large sum of cash, computers and motorcycles.
EXECUTION ATTEMPT BELIEVED TO BE LINKED TO BIKIE FEUD
The warrants were executed by police from Taskforce Echo and Crime Command, along with local detectives. Members of the National Anti-Gangs Squad and the AFP were also involved.
Detectives executed a warrant on a law firm in South Melbourne. The firm’s website boasts that it “specialises in commercial and property law and offers a depth of international knowledge and expertise rarely found”.
A strip club in Dandenong, a gym in Hallam and accountancy firms in Cranbourne and Eltham were also among businesses swooped on. Nine people were arrested.
Among them, a 76-year-old Mt Martha woman was charged with false accounting, and a 29-year-old Boronia man was charged with two counts of recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime, three counts of false accounting and four counts of possessing proceeds of crime.
Police said the warrants formed part of a national day of action against outlaw motorcycle gangs, and involved police jurisdictions across Australia.
Commander Cindy Millen said: “This is about police looking at an organised crime group and essentially working to shut down their ability to operate in any capacity.
“The Comancheros are a group who we know have traditionally been involved in violent crimes such as shootings, assaults, arson, drug trafficking and extortion.
“While we investigate those crimes, we also recognise that there are opportunities to target outlaw motorcycle gangs in a way that reduces their wealth and effectiveness.”
She added of the gang’s range of business interests: “The money generated by what appears to be like any other business is essentially used to fund crime.”
The Comancheros’ boss Mick Murray is in jail over charges which cannot be reported for legal reasons. His right-hand man Robert Ale — on bail facing serious charges — was shot last month.
Anyone with information about bikie gang activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
