A man with links to the former Burwood chapter of the Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) has been charged over his alleged role in a $1.45 million fraud and money laundering scheme.
In November 2015, the Criminal Groups Squad’s Strike Force Raptor commenced an investigation into the activities of an organised criminal network operating across Sydney.
The investigation was expanded in 2016 to include detectives from the Homicide Squad and the Drug and Firearms Squad.
As part of their ongoing inquiries, Strike Force Raptor executed a search warrant at a home in Waratah Street, Punchbowl about 7.30am yesterday (Wednesday 13 February 2019).
During the search, officers located documentation relevant to the investigation, cash, an electronic control device, a Rolex watch, laptops, mobile phones, and cocaine.
These items were seized and will undergo forensic examination.
Police will allege in court that the documentation relates to fraudulent mortgages for two properties at Georges Hall and Abbotsford, Victoria, and the fraudulent lease of a 2011 Isuzu truck.
Following inquiries, a 29-year-old man was arrested at Bankstown Police Station earlier today (Thursday 14 February 2019).
He was charged with three counts of dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception and knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime.
Police will allege in court the man, who is linked to the former Burwood chapter of the Rebels OMCG, applied for two mortgages to the value of $1.35 million and a $99,000 truck lease, using fraudulent payslips.
It will also be alleged that the man dealt with $154,992, which was the proceeds of crime.
He was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Bankstown Local Court on Wednesday 6 March 2019.
Investigations into the alleged criminal network are ongoing.
Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009 and conducts proactive investigations and intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and disrupt conflicts, and dismantle any network engaged in serious organised criminal activity.
Anyone with information, including relevant photos and videos, that may assist Strike Force Raptor can report it directly to investigators via the Strike Force Raptor online reporting page: https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/Default.aspx?id=49 or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Information provided to investigators will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
