A man has been arrested in Queensland this morning as part of an Echo Taskforce investigation into an alleged serious assault linked to the Nomads Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) in Laverton North in July.
A 40-year-old man was arrested in Meringandan West shortly after 6am by detectives from Echo Taskforce and Queensland Police's Taskforce Maxima.
The man, who is believed to be a patched member of the Nomads OMCG, has been charged with intentionally cause serious injury in circumstances of gross violence.
He will face Toowoomba Magistrates' Court today where police will apply for him to be extradited to Victoria.
Today's arrest follows an alleged incident on Thursday 28 July where a 36-year-old Point Cook man, believed to be a former chapter president of the Nomads OMCG, was seriously assaulted outside the clubhouse on Weddel Court, Laverton North.
About 12.30pm that day, the victim was confronted by a group of men and subsequently assaulted with a number of blunt objects.
After the incident he managed to drive from the scene in his own vehicle and was later admitted to The Alfred hospital with serious injuries.
On 30 August, warrants were executed at properties in Canadian, Sunshine West, Point Cook, Williamstown and Truganina by members of the Echo Taskforce, VIPER Taskforce and Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit.
Police also executed warrants at the Nomads clubhouses in Laverton North and Wendouree.
Six men were arrested and all were charged with offences including intentionally cause serious injury in circumstances of gross violence.
A number of items were also seized from the properties, including a large quantity of cash and drugs including cannabis and cocaine.
Anyone who has information about OMCG activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
Comments attributable to Detective Acting Superintendent Graham Banks, Victoria Police Crime Command:
"Today's arrest shows the testament of police right across Australia to hold those OMCG members involved in violent offending to account. The support of Queensland Police, in particular Taskforce Maxima, has been crucial in making this seventh arrest.
"This should also serve as a reminder that police are committed to identifying and arresting anyone linked to these organised crime groups, whatever role they may play in these offences and wherever they are across the country."
Comments attributable to Detective Acting Superintendent Craig McGrath, Queensland Police Service Organised Crime Gangs Group:
Detective Acting Superintendent Craig McGrath from Organised Crime Gangs Group, including Taskforce Maxima, said the Queensland Police Service (QPS) together with interstate jurisdictions including Victoria Police take a zero-tolerance approach against the violence and criminality of Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMCGs) and their disregard for public safety.
"The QPS works in close collaboration with interstate, national and international law enforcement partners to monitor, through the National Operation Taskforce Morpheus, and National Anti-Gangs taskforce to take action at every opportunity.
"OMCGs are not welcome in Queensland and as this arrest shows, irrespective of where they may flee to, law enforcement agencies will act to arrest and prosecute offenders who cause harm to our community."
If you are a member of an OMCG and wish to engage in criminal behaviour, Queensland police will be unrelenting in bringing you to justice. The type of violent behaviour is further proof that you wouldn't join a gang if you knew the truth. Choosing to be a member of a criminal gang, results in a very real and damaging impact on individuals, their families, and the community.
For more information about our OMCG Exit program visit https://www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/omcg-exit-programExternal Link
