Police have charged several Lone Wolf Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) members and associates as part of a major investigation into a violent robbery and kidnapping of a man and woman at Ipswich in October 2019.
This afternoon, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Gangs Group (OCGG) arrested a 41-year-old Helensvale man at Coomera. He has been charged with 16 charges relating to the incident, including armed robbery, assault, extortion and kidnapping. The man was remanded in custody due to appear at Southport Magistrates Court on 25 July.
On Wednesday, OCGG detectives, assisted by NSW Police Force Criminal Groups Squad, extradited a 40-year-old man from Sydney, who is also a member of the Lone Wolf OMCG, to also face 16 charges relating to this incident including armed robbery, assault, extortion and kidnapping. He appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court yesterday.
On July 14, further Operation Romeo Stake arrests were made following the execution of a search warrant at a Robina residence, where a 25-year-old man was charged with the same 16 offences, as well as additional drug and firearm offences.
During the search, officers located and seized $46,000 cash, a loaded pistol inside the residence and another pistol hidden in a vehicle at the same property, along with cocaine and firearms. The man was remanded in custody due to appear at Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 5.
Also on July 14, detectives issued a 34-year-old man from Southport, currently in custody, a Notice to Appear for the same 16 offences, to appear 20 October 2020 at Brisbane Magistrates Court.
Police will allege the offenders entered a Raceview business premises by force on 25 October 2019, concealing their identities and kidnapping a 55-year-old man and 40-year-old woman by force. It is alleged the male victim was viciously assaulted and left with life-threatening injuries in bushland at Ripley. Police became aware of the incident when the female victim, who had zip ties on her wrists and duct tape on her face, attended a rural house seeking help for the man.
Following further enquiries, police established the offenders were linked to the Lone Wolf OMCG.
In March, as part of Operation Romeo Stake and ongoing investigations targeting criminal activities of members and associates the Lone Wolf OMCG, more than 200 officers from Queensland and NSW Police Force executed a series of search warrants in Queensland and New South Wales, where significant quantities of illicit drugs, firearms and cash, along with phones and OMCG clothing were seized.
All offenders for this offence are currently in custody. Further charges are expected to be laid.
Detective Acting Chief Superintendent Denzil Clark, State Crime Command, said the arrests were the result of the dedication and exhaustive policing work undertaken by of all officers involved in this complex investigation.
“This has been a protracted investigation with close cooperation between specialist detectives and regional police, in conjunction with New South Wales Police, highlighting our officers’ unwavering commitment to solving this violent crime and seeing those responsible brought to justice,” Detective Acting Chief Superintendent Clark said.
“This was a serious, vicious and premeditated attack and this investigation outcome should serve as a strong warning to gang members that violence and criminal behaviour will not be tolerated.
“Police are continuing, through a range of capabilities, to take a very strong approach against outlaw motorcycle gangs and any offending will be investigated with those responsible made to face the full force of the law.”
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.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.
