Taskforce Maxima, Rebels CMG arrests, recruiting
Earlier today, detectives from Taskforce Maxima executed search warrants at residences in Eatons Hill, Scarborough and Redcliffe.
Investigations into allegations of members of the Rebels Criminal Motorcycle Gang (CMG) attempting to recruit persons to join a new chapter of the gang have lead Taskforce Maxima to conduct searches at the three properties today.
Police will allege that last month patched members of the Rebels CMG attended a Redcliffe licensed premises where they attempted to recruit a number of young men to join the Moreton Bay Chapter of the gang.
Police will further allege two of those charged are former Western Australian patched members of the Rebels who recently moved to Queensland and were assisting a former member of the Brisbane (Virginia) Chapter to create a new chapter based at Redcliffe.
The searches also located an additional Townsville member of the Rebels wanted over allegations of wearing gang paraphernalia in a Townsville licensed premises last month.
It will also be alleged that police located dangerous drugs (steroids), restricted drugs and a doctor’s prescription pad.
As a result, two men were arrested and bailed to appear in the Redcliffe Magistrates Court next month.
A 44-year old man from Scarborough, believed to be a full patched member of the ‘Rebels’ Criminal Gang and President of the Moreton Bay Chapter, has been charged with one count of possession of a dangerous drug (steroids).
A 26-year-old man from Scarborough, believed to be a full patched member of the ‘Rebels’ Criminal Gang and Sergeant of Arms of the Moreton Bay Chapter, has been charged with one count of participants in criminal organisation recruiting persons and one count of entering and remaining in licensed premises when wearing or carrying a prohibited item.
A 44-year-old man from Scarborough, believed to be a patched member of the ‘Rebels’ Criminal Gang, has been charged with one count of participants in criminal organisation recruiting persons and one count of entering and remaining in licensed premises when wearing or carrying a prohibited item.
A 32-year-old man from Townsville, believed to be a full patched member of the ‘Rebels’ Criminal Gang, has been charged with two counts of entering and remaining in licensed premises when wearing or carrying a prohibited item.
A 23-year-old man from Scarborough, an associate of the ‘Rebels’ Criminal Gang, has been charged with four counts of forgery, four counts of utter, four counts of fraud and one count of receiving stolen property.
A 24-year-old man from Scarborough, an associate of the ‘Rebels’ Criminal Gang, has been charged with one count of utter and one count of attempted fraud.
Detective Superintendent Michael Niland, Taskforce Commander of Taskforce Maxima said today’s arrests send a message to criminal gangs that it is business as usual for police.
“We will continue to prosecute members of criminal gangs where the evidence allows. Once again we are seeing patched members involved in criminal activity,” Detective Superintendent Niland said.
“We will continue use all lawful means to disrupt their activities in an effort to stop crime.”
Detective Inspector Brendan Smith of Taskforce Maxima said that the expansion of these gangs will not be tolerated.
“Unlawful behaviour will not be accepted or tolerated. The fact that members of the public are coming forward to provide information clearly indicates these gangs are not wanted in our community,” Detective Inspector Smith said.
Investigations are continuing in relation offences of three or more participants in criminal organisation being knowingly present in public places.
All of the men have been bailed, and will appear in the Redcliffe Magistrates Court on April 15.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
