Australian bikies who quit gang life reveal how they’re targeted, attacked and can’t sleep

Former Australian bikies have laid bare how they were treated when they cut ties with their OMCG mates – and what triggered their exit.

Former bikies have told of being beaten, stabbed and stripped of their assets when they turned their backs on gang life.

The revenge attacks were so serious some fortified their homes to protect themselves, while others were devastated their friends were targeted – including a man and his young daughter confronted at gunpoint.

Some ex-bikies relocated to avoid retribution, and crippling anxiety was common in many, who spoke of “always being on alert”.

The graphic illustration of post-gang life is exposed in an Australian Institute of Criminology report on the experiences of 39 former Australian members of outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCGs). The 2021 report is one of few pieces of research anywhere in the world that delves into the lives of bikies after they leave gangs that expect members stay for life.

One ex-bikie said he “sleeps with one eye open”.

The study on ex-bikies revealed how they were treated by their former mates.

“I cannot sit in a restaurant with my back to anything, I have to sit where I can see everything … I can’t be in my own home without listening for noises, and any bike that goes past I ask if they’re coming for me. My wife says I sleep very nervously,” he said.

Another left weapons around the house.

“I was gonna get shot, snipered. I decided at that stage I was a wanted man..”

Actual violence did occur, with one being “pretty badly bashed” and requiring stitches. Another was attacked with a baseball bat.

Few said they tried to get help from police, fearing the consequences, although one did rely on police for protection.

Many ex-bikies said they feared for the safety of themselves and their loved ones.

The financial losses included large exit fees and even the loss of their businesses.

The report authors found not all members had negative experiences when leaving, with a distinction between those who left in good and bad standing.

One explained: “If you’re a younger member, like 12 months, you’re f***ed. You can’t leave. But if you’re a life member, you can leave whenever you like … I did everything right. If I’d been a young member, they’d have just taken my bike.”

The former bikies said the process of departure was also important, with being direct and honest the best approach, and leaving as a group – but there were still risks.

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Serious and organised crime research manager Anthony Morgan from the Australian Institute of Criminology. Picture: Supplied

“Depends on the terms. Are they a f**k-up, are they going to leave on legit terms? How’s your relationship with your president, your vice, your treasurer, your brothers, how’s your performance record, all of those factors come into it. You can try and run, but unless you’re lucky mate, they’ll find you.”

Some clubs were more “vicious” than others, and didn’t allow departures.

“If you went into the club in [location] and left on the Monday, you’d be dead on the Tuesday.”

The ones who successfully left said they were able to reconnect with friends and family and formed new social groups.

A common factor for many to leave was a loss of the “brotherhood” and bikie subculture that drew them to the clubs initially., stigma and the impact membership was having on their family.

Many former members said a sense of comradeship drew them to OMCGs. Picture: Simon Dallinger.

Anthony Morgan, serious and organised crime research manager at the AIC, said they spoke to 39 former bikies who were part of a Queensland Police program called Exit for ex-gang members, which was based on a Danish model.

“I think the extent of the infighting and the conflict that occurred within clubs, particularly as some of these members were trying to leave, I think surprised us,” he said.

Other issues were less surprising, with poor mental health and isolation from family and friends.

“But to see that talked about, by anywhere from 30 to sort of 60 year old men, I think was quite enlightening,” Mr Morgan said.

Exit is run by Queensland Police and Corrective Services and delivers skills programs, mentoring, employment opportunities and health services.

Originally published as Australian bikies who quit gang life reveal how they’re targeted, attacked and can’t sleep