Criminal Groups Squad detectives will apply for the extradition of a senior member of an outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) from Queensland over several alleged breaches of a Serious Crime Prevention Order.
On Friday 1 July 2022, the Supreme Court issued a 35-year-old man with a Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO) following an application by the State Crime Command’s Criminal Groups Squad.
An SCPO may contain such prohibitions, restrictions, requirements and other provisions as the court considers appropriate for the purpose of protecting the public by preventing, restricting or disrupting involvement by a person in serious crime related activities.
As part of ongoing SCPO compliance operations, Criminal Groups Squad detectives identified several suspected breaches, and commenced an investigations under Strike Force Phobetor-Harmonia.
Following extensive inquiries, the 35-year-old man was arrested by officers from the Gold Coast Major and Organised Crime Squad, Taskforce Maxima, and National Anti-Gangs Squad officers in the presence of strike force detectives at a Benowa Waters property about 6.30am AEST today (Thursday 9 February 2023).
The man was taken to Southport Watchhouse, where NSW detectives will apply for his extradition to NSW this afternoon.
Police will allege in court that the man – who is a high-ranking member of the Comancheros OMCG – had contravened his SCPO by not providing the full address of his temporary accommodation, not providing an intended return date to his primary residence, and possessing/using a communication device with encrypted message capabilities.
As part of ongoing operations under Strike Force Phobetor-Harmonia, Criminal Groups Squad detectives also executed two simultaneous search warrants at properties in Greystanes and Haymarket.
A number of items were seized which will undergo further forensic examination.
A 33-year-old man was arrested at the Greystanes property and taken to Granville Police Station where he is assisting police with their inquiries.
Investigations are continuing.
The NSW Police Force employ a number of measures to prevent, restrict and disrupt those involved in serious crime-related activities.
They include Serious Crime Prevention Orders (SCPOs), Public Safety Orders (PSOs), Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPOs), and other compliance-based measures, including reviewing new legislation to confiscate unexplained wealth and the proceeds of crime and to prohibit the possession of dedicated encrypted criminal communication devices.
Anyone with information about the activities of organised criminal networks is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
