Outlaw bikie links to Apex gang and Moomba brawlers
OUTLAW bikies have been linked to the Apex gang involved in violence during Melbourne Moomba celebrations.
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OUTLAW bikies have been linked to the Apex gang involved in violence during Melbourne Moomba celebrations.
The Sunday Herald Sun has been told ringleaders from Melbourne’s growing gang culture are being used by at least one bikie gang, suspected of being involved in the rebirthing of stolen cars.
The alleged links were aired in the prosecution of up to nine youths earlier this year, even though clear links between organised crime networks and Apex are yet to be fleshed out.
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Police, however, have limited intelligence about the links and have cast doubt over any significant association.
It is understood youths suspected of being Apex members prosecuted by police refuse to co-operate over their criminal operations.
Sources say crews follow target cars before one armed member dons a mask or balaclava before running to the driver’s side armed with a gun or other weapon.
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Houses are also being cased for luxury vehicles. It is understood in some instances the group don masks from the horror film Scream .
Earlier this month, a Richmond man was carjacked in broad daylight after a man of African appearance threatened him with a machete before driving off in his BMW.
Last month there was a spate of aggravated burglaries in the municipality of Casey. In a rapid overnight operation, crews stole nine cars, including two Mercedes Benz, top-of-the-line Holdens and a BMW.
Although members facing charges will not reveal details of their activities or associations, the Herald Sun has been told youth gangs are suspected of links to the Hells Angels and Comancheros.
The extent of any involvement is unknown.
The Outlaw bikie gangs are aware the courts are lenient on young offenders and offer inducements to susceptible youths but authorities have attempted to stem the crime racket by getting gang members terms in youth detention and child supervision orders.