Three arrested as police probe alleged extortion racket linked to Comancheros

Three men have been arrested after police raided homes in Melbourne’s southeast over extortion allegations linked to the Comanchero bikie gang.

Police have arrested three men over serious extortion allegations linked to the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang.

Echo Taskforce detectives raided three homes in Narre Warren, Hallam and Cranbourne East from 6am Tuesday morning, allegedly seizing cash, weapons and steroids.

Nitro Gym, a Hallam business linked to Comanchero national president Mick Murray, was also raided.

A Comanchero bikie – aged 49 from Narre Warren – was charged with extortion, blackmail, making threats to kill and theft of motor vehicle.

A 19-year-old Hallam man was also charged with extortion, possess steroids, weapons offences and failure to provide information pursuant to a 465AA order.

The pair will face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday afternoon.

A third man, aged 25 from Cranbourne East, was charged with extortion, possess steroids, possess proceeds of crime, weapons offences and failure to provide information pursuant to a 465AA order.

He was bailed to appear before court at a later date.

Detectives from the Echo Taskforce conduct raids.

A man is arrested during the raids.

The arrests relate to alleged extortion and threats directed at two victims over the past year.

Detective Inspector Dan Ryan said the Comancheros were a dangerous gang and victims could be reluctant to seek help.

“The Comanchero OMCG is a group historically linked to offences of immense community harm such as extortion, so to arrest three people today as part of this investigation is an excellent result,” he said.

“We also understand how difficult it can be for victims to engage with police in these matters.

“It’s important that community is aware of the support police can provide when they are a victim of (alleged) 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.”

Nitro Gym, located on the Princes Highway, has previously been the target of Echo taskforce interest.

It is unclear what Murray’s current involvement is with Nitro but a gang run earlier this year started at the business.

It has been the scene of previous drive-by shooting attacks believed to have been linked to OMCG tensions.

Anyone with information about OMCG activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to crimestoppersvic.com.au.