Notorious Tasmanian bikie AJ Graham faces deportation after visa cancelled
Updated
One of Tasmania's most notorious bikies has been detained in prison in New South Wales and is set to be deported to New Zealand.
AJ Graham was a founding member of the Rebels Motorcycle Club in Tasmania and is the former president of the club's Kingston chapter.
The New Zealand-born man was detained in Tasmania earlier this week on immigation matters during the largest operation ever targeting the state's motorcycle gangs, before being taken to New South Wales' Supermax prison in Goulburn.
During the 48-hour anti-bikie operation, about 90 officers from Tasmania Police and the Australian Federal Police raided eight clubhouses across the state.
AJ Graham has a significant criminal history of firearm, drug and assault offences.
He has had his visa cancelled by Immigration Minister Peter Dutton for failing the "good character" test.
Mr Dutton issued a statement confirming a New Zealand national with strong links to an outlaw motorcycle gang had been detained.
"I have instructed my department to refer cases of serious criminality to me for consideration under the character provisions of the Migration Act," he said.
"This includes foreign nationals associated with, or members of, outlaw motorcycle gangs.
"I have cancelled this man's visa and he will remain in immigration custody."
The department and the minister have the power to cancel the visas of people who fail the character test under the Migration Act.
During the major crackdown on bikie operations in Tasmania, authorities searched 30 homes connected to bikies or club associates, three businesses, prison cells and numerous cars.
Twenty-six firearms, three Tasers, ammunition for various weapons, illegal body armour, $200,000 in cash and drugs, including cannabis, ice and speed were seized during the raids.
Fourteen gang members and associates were arrested and another 19 summonses were issued.