Detectives arrest five patched Bandido bikie gang members over blackmail allegations

Detectives have arrested multiple bikies including a Bandido office-bearer and chapter vice-president in a series of raids.

Five patched Bandido bikie gang members and associates have been arrested over blackmail allegations.

Among those detained by detectives from the Echo taskforce were a 53-year-old chapter vice-president who was charged with blackmail and weapons offences.

A 53-year-old Rowville man, who is a chapter vice-president, was charged with blackmail and possessing prohibited weapons.

A Narre Warren man, 41, who is a Bandido office-bearer, was also charged with blackmail.

Police said a 35-year-old Cranbourne East man who is a probationary member will face counts of blackmail and possessing cannabis.

Multiple Bandido bikie gang members and associates have been arrested over blackmail allegations.

All were bailed to appear at Latrobe Magistrates’ Court on October 11.

A 53-year-old Norlane man who is a patched member was charged with possessing amphetamine as part of the same operation.

He was bailed to appear at Geelong Magistrates’ Court on January 18.

Police said the investigation into the blackmail allegations was continuing.

They said a 55-year-old Hoppers Crossing woman was released pending further enquiries.

A hydroponic cannabis set-up was found at a Norlane address, where cannabis plants, dried cannabis, cocaine and amphetamine were confiscated.

Knuckle-dusters were seized from the Rowville address.

The operation relates to an investigation into an alleged blackmail and threats made to a victim earlier this year.

The arrests relate to an investigation into alleged blackmail. Picture: David Caird

Members of the VIPER Taskforce and officers the north west metro and western were involved in searches at Norlane, Hoppers Crossing, Narre Warren, Cranbourne East and Rowville.

Detective acting Insp. Ash Ryan of the Echo Taskforce said police had been running a number of operations against the Bandidos recently.

“If they believe they can operate above the law, then they are wrong. We will continue to target their criminal activities regardless of what form that takes,” Insp. Ryan said.

He said while it was difficult for victims to engage with police in matters such as blackmail, it has been proven to be the “safest approach”.

“We encourage all victims of similar matters to report them to police,” Insp. Ryan said.

“It’s important that the community is aware of the support police can provide when they are a victim of offending such as this, and that we will do everything we can to ensure those who purposely intimidate the public in this way are held to account.

“We will hold offenders to account and make every effort to stamp out their violent and unlawful ventures.”