Arrests during probe into bashing of bikie strongman Jason Addison

Three men have been arrested during a probe into motorbike thefts suspected to be linked to the brutal bashing of bikie strongman Jason Addison.

Three men have been arrested during an investigation into the brutal bashing of veteran bikie strongman Jason Addison.

Addison was attacked by at least three men at a motorcycle show at the central Victorian town of Knowsley on June 18

The 57-year-old from Echuca was repeatedly kicked to the head in what police suspect was a vicious onslaught linked to the Bandidos motorcycle gang.

His front teeth were knocked out and his face left swollen and bruised.

Police are investigating the theft of motorcycles they suspect was linked to the bashing.

Addison is a former Bandidos boss but he and others in Echuca patched over to the Mongols two years ago.

That group and prominent Mongols, including Toby Mitchell, Sam Abdulrahim and Mark Balsillie, left earlier this year as the gang’s Victorian membership fractured.

Guns and drugs were seized on Friday morning as officers involved in an Echo taskforce investigation into the Addison ambush carried out a wave of raids.

Bikie strongman Jason Addison. Picture: Glenn Barnes

Jason Addison after he was bashed.

Search warrants were executed at St Albans Park, Hoppers Crossing, Brooklyn, Pascoe Vale, Truganina, Brookfield and Weir Views

Members of the VIPER Taskforce and officers from the North West Metro Region, Eastern Region and Western Region were also involved.

Addison suffered serious injuries and police said he “self-presented” to hospital after the beating.

They said he was uncooperative with investigators but believe Addison knew his attackers.

Detective acting Inspector Ash Ryan of the Echo taskforce said the arrests showed police could get results on serious matters, even when a victim did not want to help.

“It also shows the level of criminality these groups are involved in – what started as an investigation into a serious assault has resulted in the seizure of firearms and drugs today,” Inspector Ryan said.

“We know there were a number of people in attendance at the event in Knowsley and to witness a violent incident such as this would have been extremely concerning for them.

“Investigators are keen to speak to anyone who was present and may have filmed the assault and again, this information can be provided anonymously to police.”

Toby Mitchell was among the prominent members who left the Mongols earlier this year as its Victorian membership fractured. Picture: AAP

Sam Abdulrahim also left the Mongols. Picture: Instagram

Those arrested include:

• A 33-year-old Brooklyn man who has been charged with possession of cannabis, methylamphetamine and 1,4 Butanediol, possession of an unregistered longarm and trafficking an unregistered longarm. He was bailed to face Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on March 15 next year.

• A Pascoe Vale man, 34, who faces counts of steroid possession and failing to comply with a court order. He was bailed to appear in Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court April 18 next year.

• A 30-year-old Brookfield man charged with possessing steroids who was bailed to appear at the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on 15 March next year.

Police said they expected a Weir Views man, 29, would also be interviewed at a later date over drug and weapons offences.

Investigators seized a shotgun, rifle, ammunition, cannabis, methylamphetamine, steroids and “edged weapons”.

Addison was once president of the Bandidos’ Sunshine Coast chapter in Queensland

In 2015, he faced Maroochydoore Magistrates’ Court charged with extortion after a former Bandidos gang member was allegedly forced to hand over his Sunshine Coast marble business, his home and motorbike.

A jury in 2017 found Addison not guilty.

Any witnesses or others with relevant information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the crimestoppersvic.com.au