Three men charged following investigation into alleged extortion – Gangs Squad

Tuesday, 07 Sep 2010 05:17pm

Gangs Squad detectives have arrested and charged three men following an investigation into alleged extortion-related offences in the State’s north.

About 11.15am yesterday (Tuesday 07 September, 2010), police arrested three men aged 48, 44, and 41, following a vehicle stop at Bennetts Green.

The 48 and 44-year-old men are apparently members of the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.

All three men were taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime, and participate in criminal groups, and demand money with menace.

Each of the men has been refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court tomorrow.

Police also executed search warrants at four locations at Kahibah, Kitchener, Hamilton South, as well as a clubhouse in Wickham.

During the search warrants police located and seized a number of items including hydroponic plants, cannabis leaf, as well as crystal methamphetamine, prohibited articles, and relevant documents and clothing.

Today’s arrests relate to investigations conducted by police into the alleged extortion related offences involving a business near Newcastle.

Strike Force Crinan comprises detectives from the State Crime Command’s Gangs Squad, and was established to investigate the alleged extortion of tattoo shops in Port Stephens and surrounding areas by members of the Rebels OMCG.

Bikies charged over business extortion

September 7, 2010 - 5:39PM

AAP

Two alleged Rebel bikies and another man have been charged with extorting money from a business near Newcastle.

Officers arrested the trio after stopping a car at Bennetts Green about 11.15am (AEST) on Tuesday.

Police allege two of the men, aged 48 and 44, are members of the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.

They were taken into custody along with a 41-year-old man and charged with knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime, participating in criminal groups and demanding money with menace.

"Today's arrests relate to investigations conducted by police into the alleged extortion related offences involving a business near Newcastle," police said in a statement.

Officers also raided four locations at Kahibah, Kitchener, Hamilton South, as well as a clubhouse in Wickham, seizing hydroponic plants, cannabis leaf, as well as crystal methamphetamine, prohibited articles, and relevant documents and clothing.

All three men have been refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday.

Police said the arrests follow an investigation into extortion-related offences in the state's north.

Strike Force Crinan was established to investigate the alleged extortion of tattoo shops in Port Stephens and surrounding areas by members of the Rebels OMCG.

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