Fresh arrests in alleged extortion plot linked to Comancheros

Echo Taskforce detectives arrested two Melbourne men this week in connection to an alleged extortion involving a Lamborghini and gun.

Detectives from Echo Taskforce arrested two men this week in an alleged extortion plot linked to the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang. Picture: File

Fresh arrests have been made in an alleged extortion plot linked to the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang.

Detectives from the Echo Taskforce arrested a further two men this week in connection to an alleged extortion involving a Lamborghini and gun.

A 26-year-old Cranbourne East man was charged with blackmail and bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on February 17, 2022.

A 39-year-old Preston man was interviewed and released pending further inquiries.

Investigators raided businesses in Hallam and the CBD as part of the investigation.

Earlier this month Comanchero bikie Ahmad Niazi, 49, his nephew Fardeen Abdul-Rashid, 19, and a 25-year-old Cranbourne East man were scooped up by police.

Niazi, from Narre Warren, was charged with extortion, blackmail, threat to kill and theft of motor vehicle while Abdul-Rashid, of Hallam, was charged with extortion, possess steroids, fail to provide information pursuant to a 465AA order and weapons offences.

A court heard Niazi tried to “coerce” one of two brothers into holding a gun for him.

According to a police summary, he is also accused of threatening one of his alleged victim’s to hand over $50,000 as well as threatening the men in relation to a scheme involving a Lamborghini Gallardo.

The alleged incidents took place in late 2020 and September this year.

Nitro Gym, a Hallam business linked to Comanchero national president Mick Murray, was raided as part of the investigation.

Warrants were also executed at properties in Hallam, Narre Warren and Cranbourne East, with cash, weapons and drugs allegedly seized.

Niazi and Abdul-Rashid were granted bail and will return to court next year.

@AneekaSimonis