THE president and three members of the WA Lone Wolf Bikie gang have been arrested after allegedly holding a man captive at gunpoint and assaulting him.
Australian Federal Police Perth Manager Matt Rippon said the significant arrests would “seriously disable if not dismantle” the operation of the gang in WA.
“Joint law enforcement cooperation has all but shut down this outlaw motorcycle gang before it has had a chance to gain a foothold in Western Australia,” Commander Rippon said.
“Together with our partner agencies, we will continue to focus on disrupting these violent gangs and putting an end to their illegal activity.”
The arrests were part of a joint operation by the National Anti-Gangs Squad, Australian Federal Police, WA Police and the WA Police Gang Crime Squad, who raided a Forrestdale property on Friday May 22.
During the raid, officers discovered a battered 29-year-old man who was allegedly assaulted and threatened at gunpoint by the president and other members of the gang.
The man has since been treated for his injuries.
Police also found a handgun and baseball bat during the search.
A second home raid at a property in Southern River led to the seizure of a revolver, handcuffs and a bolt cutter, where police will allege the man was assaulted a second time.
WA Police State Crime Acting Commander Paul Coombes said the Lone Wolf gang was the first of outlaw motorcycle groups to be successfully targeted by NAGS in WA, with others to follow.
“These criminal organisations can expect more attention by law enforcement agencies in the future, and sends the strong message that they will not be tolerated in Western Australia,” he said.
The men were charged by NAGS officers between May 22 and 26.
Four men aged between 26 and 41 have been charged with a number of offences including detaining another person with intent to gain a benefit, act or omission causing bodily harm, and being armed in a way that may cause fear.
The men are due to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on June 8.