Task Force Maxima, Operation Mike Koros
Three men with links to the Bandidos criminal motorcycle gang have been charged with a total of 23 offences following investigations into the unlawful entry of an Arana Hills dwelling that occurred on April 30.
It will be alleged that one of the victims was seriously assaulted during the incident, including being tasered a number of times. He required surgery for his injuries, which included a broken foot.
It will be further alleged the offenders stole $4,000 in cash, mobile phones, and a mini iPad from the Arana Hills residence.
The men were arrested after detectives from Task Force Maxima staged simultaneous dawn raids throughout Brisbane on Friday morning.
A 28-year-old Nundah man has been charged with two counts of stealing, and one count each of enter dwelling with intent, robbery, torture, assault occasioning bodily harm whilst armed/in company, breach of bail, possession of dangerous drugs, and possession of drug utensils.
A 21-year-old Greenbank man has been charged with enter dwelling with intent, robbery, torture, assault occasioning bodily harm whilst armed/in company, and stealing.
A 26-year-old Fortitude Valley man has been charged with two counts of stealing, and one count each of enter dwelling with intent, robbery, torture, assault occasioning bodily harm whilst armed/in company, breach of bail, possession of dangerous drugs, and possession of drug utensils.
Detective Inspector Brendan Smith of Task Force Maxima said the operation revealed the extent some of these gangs will go to exact retribution.
“To enter a person’s home, in numbers, and assault them, both physically and with weapons, is cowardly and deplorable conduct.
“The circumstances also reveal how gangs use members of their networks to do their dirty work. They do this in an attempt distance them from the offences.
“They have done this as group, using their criminal gang associations and violence, to further intimidate victims to both comply with their demands, but also to discourage them from complaining to authority
“Task Force Maxima is committed to apprehending these offenders. We will continue to be relentless in our efforts to target the criminal behaviour of these gangs and their networks,” he said.
The three men will face the Brisbane Magistrates Court tomorrow.
Investigations are on going and additional charges are expected.
Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.
Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.
For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.
