Detectives from the Echo Taskforce have this morning charged seven patched members of the Finks Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) following an incident where motorcycles were illegally driven along the footpath of Southbank Promenade last month.
With assistance from the VIPER Taskforce and East Gippsland Crime Investigation Unit, 11 search warrants were executed early this morning at residential addresses in Clyde North, Safety Beach, Dallas, Wy Yung, Springvale, Mount Martha, Harkness, Rosebud, Keysborough as well as two clubhouses in Cranbourne West and Brunswick East.
Seven men were taken into custody and interviewed by investigators, including:
- A 32-year-old Safety Beach man, who police will allege is an officer bearer
- A 44-year-old Dallas man, who police will allege is a World member
- A 27-year-old Wy Yung man
- A 34-year-old Springvale man, who police will allege is an officer bearer
- A 34-year-old Mount Martha man, who police will allege is a national president
- A 41-year-old Rosebud man
- A 33-year-old Keysborough man
They were all charged with reckless conduct endangering serious injury and drive/ride on path.
The 41-year-old Rosebud man was also charged with possess cannabis.
All were bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 21 November.
Police seized seven Harley Davidson motorcycles, a small amount of cannabis and Finks OMCG vests.
Today's activity follows an incident shortly before 8pm on Friday, 9 August when a large contingent of riders, wearing Finks OMCG vests and insignia, entered the Southbank Promenade, riding between permanent steel bollards and onto the shared footpath area.
The group rode in formation for approximately 350 metres along the promenade, between pedestrians, street vendors and buskers. There was a high level of pedestrian traffic at the time, including families and children, all of whom were required to move out of the way of the group.
The group then parked their bikes and spoke with each other for approximately ten minutes, before returning to the bikes and continuing to ride in formation for another 150 metres.
They then entered the Queens Street Bridge and left the area.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information on OMCG activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Inspector Ash Ryan, Echo Taskforce:
"This is completely unacceptable behaviour by an outlaw motorcycle gang - thinking they are above the law and putting innocent members of our community at risk during probably the busiest time of week to be along Southbank.
"It is seriously reckless conduct and a significant concern for Victoria Police and the Echo Taskforce. We have made it a priority to follow up every avenue of enquiry available to us and hold those responsible to account.
"Many families, including children, elderly citizens and patrons of nearby restaurants and bars were rightfully enjoying their Friday evening in Melbourne, only to be confronted by a contingent of motorbikes jeopardising their safety.
"We are not intimidated by outlaw motorcycle gangs, and we will not allow our community to be either."
