Police have raided a number of properties linked to the Mongols outlaw motorcycle gang

Police arrested six people during a series of raids targeting the Mongols bikie gang.

A top cop has warned young people who may be influenced to earn quick cash working for outlawed motorcycle gangs that they will eventually be “wedged into a corner” and be unable to escape a life of crime.

Police fear a younger cohort of Victorians - who they dub “Nike Bikies” - may be easily targeted on social media by highly organised global criminal syndicates who are looking for “foot soldiers” to do their business locally.

It comes after a national day of action where guns, drugs, explosives and cash were seized following a sweeping series of raids on the Mongols bikie gang on Thursday.

A series of search warrants were executed against figures linked to the notorious group in Melbourne’s CBD, Southbank, Montrose, Rowville, Tecoma, Elsternwick, Oakleigh South, Pakenham, Carrum Downs, Clyde North, Thornbury, Reservoir, Hoppers Crossing and at the Echuca clubhouse.

Crime Command Acting Assistant Commissioner Mick Frewen said the Mongols were linked to multiple Victorian homicides and non-fatal shootings over the past 15 months.

“In Victoria in particular - the Mongols have been connected to a number of serious crimes,” Mr Frewen said.

“This is a group we know have traditionally been involved in violent crimes such as shootings, assaults, arson, drug trafficking, extortion and intimidation.

“Outlaw motorcycle gangs, as we traditionally know them, have been related to people on motorcycles. But now we have ‘Nike Bikies’ - the group that outlaw motorcycle gangs seek to influence through social media. They become enforcers, or foot soldiers of these gangs.

“The perception is that outlawed motorcycle gangs are people that socialise and there is nothing further to see. These people are part of syndicated criminal activity and we will continue to target them to stymie further criminal activity.”

Mr Frewen warned the Victorian branch of the Mongols were linked to a “global criminal empire” which was continually expanding.

He warned young people against getting involved with bikie gangs.

“Think carefully, you have a life ahead of you,” he said.

“These gangs, groups or influencers might come to you with a compelling opportunity, think of the implications, they will wedge you into a corner and put you into a position where you have to do more each time. There might be initial financial rewards, but at what cost - to you, your liberty, your friends and your life ambitions.”

So far two Victorians have been charged with a range of drug, firearms, weapons and explosives offences.

A total of 14 firearms were seized in the clampdown.

A range of illicit drugs including cocaine, cannabis, hallucinogens, steroids and prescription medication were also allegedly found.

Twelve Mongol members were served with Firearm Prohibition Orders.

Police also executed a search warrant in South Morang and seized a suspected stolen Harley Davidson, drugs, ammunition and a homemade bomb.

Two patched Mongol members linked to this property were served with Firearms Prohibition Orders and are expected to be charged in relation to the seizures.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A series of search warrants were executed against figures linked to the notorious outlaw motorcycle gang by officers from Victoria Police Crime Command on Thursday in pre-dawn raids.

Detectives raided an Echuca clubhouse as well as residential properties in Melbourne’s CBD, Southbank, Montrose, Rowville, Tecoma, Elsternwick, Oakleigh South, Pakenham, Carrum Downs, Clyde North, Thornbury, Reservoir, Hoppers Crossing and Echuca.

So far two people have been charged with a range of drug, firearms, weapons and explosives offences.

A total of 14 firearms were seized in the clampdown.

A range of illicit drugs including cocaine, cannabis, hallucinogens, steroids and prescription medication were also allegedly found.

Twelve Mongol members were served with Firearm Prohibition Orders.

Police also executed a search warrant in South Morang and seized a suspected stolen Harley Davidson, drugs, ammunition and a homemade bomb.

Two patched Mongol members linked to this property were served with Firearms Prohibition Orders and are expected to be charged in relation to the seizures.

Members of the Echo Taskforce, Public Order Response Team, Licensing Records

Division, Dog Squad, Bomb Response Unit and local police, as well as the Australian

Federal Police National Anti Gangs Squad, were involved in the national day of action.

Other raids were also conducted across the country.

Crime Command Acting Assistant Commissioner Mick Frewen said the Mongols were linked to multiple Victorian homicides and non-fatal shootings over the past 15 months.

“This is a group we know have traditionally been involved in violent crimes such as

shootings, assaults, arson, drug trafficking, extortion and intimidation,” Mr Frewen said.

“These activities bring immense harm to communities across Australia. In Victoria alone, the Mongols have been linked to a number of firearms incidents including multiple homicides and non-fatal shootings over the past 15 months.

“Organised criminal groups remain a significant issue for law enforcement right across Australia and days of action such as this one provides the ideal opportunity for us to work together to target their offending and also gather intelligence.

“It’s important that criminal organisations such as the Mongols are held accountable

for their criminal actions and this week shows that police will actively work to disrupt

their activities.”

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.