BIKIE WARS: April 2012

Monday, 30 April 2012

United Motorcycle Council of Queensland blames Middle Eastern-linked bikies for violence

OUTLAW bikies in Australia should not have allowed people of Middle Eastern origin into their clubs because they have a different "moral code", the spokesman for Queensland bikies' peak body says. Russell "Camel" Wattie, spokesman for the United Motorcycle Council of Queensland, which represents 16 "patch" clubs, including the Hells Angels, Bandidos and Nomads, told The Courier-Mail there was now a "larger influence" from people of Middle Eastern origin on some clubs and they had "made a mistake letting them in". Some observers have linked the outbreak of bikie violence in southeast Queensland with rivalries among NSW-based chapters of clubs, which have seen a recent influx of members with Middle Eastern heritage.

EVERY bikie in New South Wales can expect a police officer to knock on their front door before the week is out.

That's the promise the state's Assistant Police Commissioner Frank Mennilli made to gang members following a three-day "in your face" sting which resulted in more than 500 arrests. Taking direction from detectives attached to Operation Spartan, more than 3000 NSW police officers hit businesses and homes linked to bikie and street gangs on the weekend. Drugs, firearms and cash were seized. Of the 555 arrested, at least 100 were identified as gang members or associates. Mr Mennilli said "almost every" tattoo parlour in the state had a visit from their local police officers and the few which may have been left out would get the same treatment in the coming days. He said his aim was for every NSW resident identifying themselves as a gang member to get a knock on their door by the end of this week. "While we are proud of the arrests and charges laid at the weekend, it's the new intelligence that we have gathered that will most support the goals of Operation Spartan," Mr Mennilli said. "Every new piece of information we collect helps us to better understand these criminals, their gangs and their methodology, which is the key to dismantling and disrupting criminal activity. "We will not rest until we have all illegal firearms and weapons off our streets, and all the people involved in these crimes are found, locked up and put before a court." The operation coincided with escalating gang violence north of the border where a bikie and his partner were shot in a busy Gold Coast shopping centre. Mr Mennilli said while there was no evidence the violence in QLD was linked to the recent shootings in NSW, the pattern of gang related crime engulfing both states was symptomatic of a change in bikie culture. He said the traditional bikie code of conduct was being breached by a new breed of criminals infiltrating gangs and even "patching over" to rival gangs to gain more power on the streets. "If the current spike in crime was linked to (traditional) outlaw motorcycle gangs we would have stopped it by now," he said "These new people have no regard for the law or their community. "Many of these issues are domestic. "One dispute I dealt with recently was over a stolen trail bike. "We are dealing with some very petty issues." While he refused to speculate if the suspect in the Gold Coast shooting had flown in from Sydney, Mr Minnelli said "criminals don't know borders". When asked if he was offended by criticism from politicians including Shadow Police Minister Nathan Rees about the State Government's approach to the bikie conflict Mr Mennilli said "I would say to Mr Rees 'go and speak to the people we arrested on the weekend and ask them if we are serious'. "If they want to play political games - let them. "Just leave me to lock up the crooks."

Gold Coast shopping centre shooting put down to private Bandido bikie feud

SENIOR bikie sources say a simmering internal feud was behind the weekend's brazen public shooting at a Gold Coast shopping centre. Hells Angels leaders have emphatically rejected reports they are at war with the Bandidos, claiming the shooter was a spurned Bandido of Tongan heritage who had turned on clubmate Jacques Teamo after being kicked out of the club last week. There were even suggestions that Queensland's ongoing "bikie war" was being orchestrated from interstate by Rebels. Some have accused interstate Rebels of using southern mercenaries masquerading as Hells Angels to provoke a feud with the Bandidos. A club source said: "It was not the Hells Angels who shot up an innocent bystander or anyone else."

Sunday, 29 April 2012

Infamous Aussie gangster 'Chopper' Read dying

Infamous Australian crime figure Mark 'Chopper' Read has revealed he has terminal cancer and could have only weeks to live. Read, who shot to worldwide fame after the 2000 film 'Chopper' about his violent life, starring Eric Bana, took to Twitter on Thursday to break the news about his failing health. 'Looks like the big C has finally bitten. Let's see how we go,' tweeted Read, who in the past has claimed to have been involved in the killing of 19 people. 'I actually feel OK. Some more surgery in a couple of weeks and hopefully I'll be ready to rock 'n' roll after that.'

Gold Coast gunman still on the loose

THE gunman who shot two people in a crowded Gold Coast shopping centre is still at large and police fear Queensland's worst outlaw motorcycle gang war will escalate. A 42-year-old man, linked to a bikie gang, was shot in the arm and a 53-year-old woman was caught in the crossfire and shot in the pelvis at the Robina Town Centre yesterday afternoon. Both are recovering in hospital. The male victim is believed to be Jacques Teamo. Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson says it's the first time that feuding between bikie gangs has spilled into the public, with an innocent person shot. Police are working overtime to track down the gunman, who is described as Pacific Islander in appearance, aged between 20 and 30 years, with full arm and neck tattoos. Mr Atkinson says people know who's behind the shooting but a code of silence shrouds bikie gangs and criminals have a wall of protection. "Most of them, if not all of them, have lawyers on standby who come to their assistance immediately," the commissioner said. He said he fears for a retaliatory attack. Over the past week there has been an escalation in violent attacks on the Gold Coast and Brisbane that are believed to be linked to a bikie war. Shots were fired at a tattoo parlour on the Gold Coast, a car was set on fire in Brisbane, two Brisbane premises were attacked with baseball bats and police suspect there was an attempt to fire shots into the clubhouse of the Gypsy Jokers in Everton Hills in Brisbane. Police Minister Jack Dempsey says he has directed Commissioner Atkinson to throw all available resources at the recent incidents. He says the Government will bring in legislation soon that will extend mandatory times and lengthen sentences for illegal firearm laws to make them the toughest in the nation. "All Queenslanders have had enough of these sorts of incidents, particularly occurring in open spaces and public areas," he said. "The community expectations are that you will receive the most harshest penalties." CHRISTOPHER PEARSON 'It's a terrible reflection on her political judgment and the quality of the advice her office is giving her' JUDITH SLOAN 'Always be afraid when there is a minister for deregulation: this is code for pretending to do something' 'Many voters will see a fresh election as the only common sense option.' MIKE STEKETEE 'The concern is that relaxing drug laws will lead to increased use, but the evidence does not support it' PETER VAN ONSELEN 'The politics of aircraft noise is much louder than the aircraft noise itself' ANGELA SHANAHAN 'We ought to be talking about more mum-and-dad childcare, not institutional care' Prev Opinion3 of 6 Next Watch Ended 0:00 / 7:48Scrubber mute Share Fullscreen For the love of words Andrew Denton and Jon Casimir explain the origins of their latest show 'Randling' and reveal why Denton is returning to our screens. 28 April 2012The Australian Tarkine faces ongoing mining threat27 April 20123:11 Bernard Salt on Brisbane27 April 20128:08 Mining exploration scars the Tarkine27 April 20122:02 HSU furore remains despite administration26 April 20122:54 Liberal MP eyes Speaker job25 April 20122:12 New laws for emergency service workers25 April 20120:25 Bryce visits Aussie troops25 April 20126:40 Anzac Day 'belongs to every Australian'26 April 20120:54 Surgeons honoured24 April 20121:05 Angry rally over police shooting24 April 20120:33 For the love of words28 April 20127:48 WATCH MORE VIDEO Celebrity news and video! Up to the minute celebrity gossip, photos & celebrity videos Start with one Find out how you can make 1 degree of difference Breaking news video! Watch the latest Local and National breaking news Ads By Google Google Advertising Online Promote Your Website on Google. Request a Free £50 Voucher Now! www.Google.com/AdWords The Open University™ 2012 Make 2012 The Year You Change Your Life! Dowload A Free 2012 Guide Now www.open-university.co.uk Crowne Plaza Sydney Online Specials & Great Rates! No Booking Fee. Reserve a Room Today www.CrownePlaza.com SECTIONS NEWS OPINION NATIONAL AFFAIRS BUSINESS AUSTRALIAN IT HIGHER EDUCATION MEDIA SPORT ARTS MOBILE RSS FEEDS NEWSLETTERS SEND STORIES SUBSCRIBE RESOURCES Sitemap Photo sales News archive Reader Offers RSS Feeds E-newspaper edition ADVERTISING Advertise with Us POLICIES Privacy Terms COMPANY INFORMATION About Us Contact Us Job Opportunities Code of conduct The Australian SEARCH FOR: Terms Privacy Accessibility Mobile site Help Feedback Standards of practice theaustralian NAVIGATE TO A SECTION 0SAVED STORIES

Saturday, 28 April 2012

Bikies 'unholy trinity' blocks Hells Angels

THE Bandidos, Finks and Lone Wolves have formed an `unholy alliance' to combat the Hells Angels' audacious bid for territory on the Gold Coast. The outlaw gangs have the strength and influence to fend off any challenge from the Angels and smaller clubs in the city will follow their lead to protect their turf. The Bulletin can reveal the Hells Angels are `desperate' to expand from their Tradelink Drive home and have tried in vain to forge alliances on the Coast. "They are kidding themselves," police said. "The Gold Coast-based gangs will never let that happen. "The clubs will align themselves to keep the Hells Angels out. "They are not wanted on the Coast." Gold Coast police continue to insist there is `no indication of a bikie war' and Taskforce Hydra yesterday tried to reassure the community as gang violence erupts across the southeast. Bikies have fired shots into buildings, torched cars and attacked people with baseball bats as tensions rise between outlaw clubs. An internal warning indicates Hydra, a dedicated team of police who target bikies, is braced for more violence over the weekend and police across the state are on high alert -- albeit maintaining a civilised approach. Your Say "No more talk time for action,run them off the road one by one if you see them especially if you are in a truck." davidp The warning orders police to remain professional, polite and not to make derogatory remarks about gangs or members.

Police arrest two in Sydney raids on Hells Angels and Nomads bikies

Two people are in custody and two guns have been seized after a series of raids by police of Sydney properties linked to the Hells Angels and Nomad bikie gangs. The simultaneous raids involving 160 officers were carried out at 18 properties across 14 suburbs from 6am today. They include the Bella Vista home of former Nomads boss Sam Ibrahim and the western Sydney residence of high ranking Hells Angel Jeffery Sahyouh. The raids were led by officers from Strike Force Kinnarra, set up in a bid to end the escalating violence between the two feuding groups. State Crime Commander, acting Assistant Commissioner Mal Lanyon, said police also located drugs, knuckledusters, mobile phones and bikie colours in the raids. He denied this morning's action was a public relations exercise after the attention that the tit-for-tat violence between the two groups has attracted since April 17. "We have seized a large amount of items which will be subject to forensic examination and further persons will be charged," assistant Commissioner Lanyon said. "I'm very confident that out of today's raids that people will be charged with additional offences. This is but the tip of the iceberg." The suburbs raided were all in Sydney's west and north-west. They were Cranebrook, Georges Hall, Auburn, Granville, Parramatta, St Marys, Blackett, Merrylands, Rosehill, Constitution Hill, Guildford, Pemulwuy, Pennant Hills and Bella Vista. Strike Force Kinnarra was established on April 17 after five properties linked to the Hells Angels were sprayed with bullets in a series of drive-bys. Police believe they were reprisal attacks carried out by members and associates of the Nomads after one of their members was targeted only days earlier. Before today's raids, five people had been arrested and charged by Kinnarra.

Bikie wars: Man and woman shot at Robina Town Centre

TWO people - a man and a woman - have been shot at the Gold Coast's busiest shopping centre. Police have swarmed on Robina Town Centre in what is believed to be a bikie-related shooting. The shooting happened outside the toilets at the cinema. The male victim has been identified by police sources as Jacques Teamo, a Bandidos motorcycle gang member. The woman is understood to be an innocent bystander, aged in her 50s. Teamo is a senior Bandido who owns East Coast Ink, a Mermaid Beach tattoo parlour which was shot up on the Gold Coast on Tuesday.

Friday, 27 April 2012

Bikies bringing war to the suburbs

NSW police commissioner Andrew Scipione fears the country is moving toward a gangland American gun culture. He might be right. The spates of gun-related violence linked to bikie turf and drug wars has shifted around the country and intensified in the past few months. In 2012 alone, there have been 52 recorded shooting incidents involving bikies and organised crime groups. At the moment, it's South Australia's turn. In the past week, Adelaide residents have been exposed to three shooting incidents linked to bikie activity in the past nine days. The latest at 5.10am yesterday saw a vacant caravan sprayed with up to 12 bullets in a drive-by shooting in the city's northern suburbs. The Adelaide Advertiser reports that police claim the shooting was an ongoing dispute between the Finks and Hells Angels. A bikie gang associate had been staying in the caravan. Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia have all seen a procession of bikies troop through their court systems this year for crimes ranging from attempted murder to theft, extortion, drug offences, arson and assault. The majority of charges involve the use of illegal firearms. Nine men have suffered gunshot wounds during 19 shootings in Sydney just this month. Ten days ago, there were five drive-by incidents in the city's west in one night. Four of the locations were linked to the Hells Angels and police suspect they were targeted by the Nomads in retaliation for a drive-by shooting a day earlier. Police today raided 18 properties, including the home of Nomads bikie member Sam Ibrahim as part of an investigation into the drive-bys. The raids are part of Strike Force Kinnarra, set up last week to probe an ongoing feud between the Nomads and Hells Angels. Ibrahim's home still sported bullet holes in the walls and windows. Mr Scipione is on the record saying the days of turf crimes being "resolved with a punch-up... appear to have gone". "Perhaps we're moving down the American path where these sorts of disputes are resolved on the end of a handgun," he said.

BIKIE VIOLENCE Adelaide

BIKIE VIOLENCE

Adelaide

Last week, an internal feud between Hells Angels bikie gang members led toone man being shot up to four times by a fellow member at Croydon Park, just after midnight.

On Monday, eight shots were fired into a family home from a vacant block next door. A man that police said had links to the Comancheros was on the verandah while his wife and three children were just metres away in the family car.

Melbourne
Finks sergeant-at-arms Richard Michail was jailed last week after assaulting a car dealer and driving away in a $400K Lamborghini, demanding $50K for its return.

Sydney
Two suspected Hells Angels bikie gang associates charged over firing on a unit block in Merrylands.

Comanchero boss Mahmoud "Mick" Hawi jailed for 21 years after being found guilty of the murder of Hells Angels member's brother Anthony Zervas at Syndey Airport.

Hells Angel accused of burning police patrol car outside his tattoo parlour.

Perth
Rock Machine member Benjamin Sipkes found guilty of shooting WA Rebels president Nick Martin.

Three Rebels charged over the violent assault and kidnap of 21-year-old man.

Queensland
Hells Angels evicted from pub nearby Bandidos clubhouse on the Gold Coast a day after Bandido-protected tattoo parlour shot up.

Bikies are accusing police of an expensive media stunt

Bikies are accusing police of an expensive media stunt, after only two men were arrested in widespread raids across Sydney's west. Strike Force Kinnarra was timed to coincide with a ban on bikie colours in Kings Cross - which came into effect this morning. Police are warning bikies to expect more arrests. In total 160 police swooped on 18 homes and businesses at dawn, seizing firearms as a result of the raids on properties with alleged links to the Hells Angels and Nomads outlaw bikie gangs. The two men - aged 18 and 36 - were charged with drug and gun offences, as well as obstructing the raids, while another five men have been issued court attendance notices. Drive-by attacks on the homes of senior Hells Angels Mahmoud Dib and Jeffrey Sahyoun last week were among at least seven tit-for-tat attacks that police say were part of a turf war with the Nomads over drugs and membership. The attacks also targeted other senior bikies, associates and tattoo parlours. AUDIO: NSW Police warn of more large operations against outlaw bikies (PM) Meanwhile, Sam Ibrahim's wife and children have returned home to Bella Vista in a four-wheel drive which was also searched by police this morning. The family of the former Nomads boss is rattled, but say they are doing well. But lawyer for the United Motorcycle Council Wayne Baffksy says he is stunned only drugs, two guns and knuckledusters were seized in the large-scale operation. "I don't know how they justified raiding 18 places, I don't know how they got 18 search warrants, or how they legally justified that," Mr Baffsky said. "But certainly from what they discovered, which is absolutely minimal and I presume it's only from one location, I don't see how they justified the other 17 houses. "It seems to be a big show put on to try and make the public think the police are doing something." Acting Assistant Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon is warning more bikies will be charged. "I'm very confident that out of today's raids, people will be charged with additional offences. This is but the tip of the iceberg," he said. "It's actually an outstanding result today. We've obtained a lot of intelligence which will actually help us to prevent violence. But the Assistant Commissioner concedes he cannot give any guarantees the arrests will stop the turf war between the two groups. "What I can say to you is that we are 100 per cent committed to stopping that violence, and ensuring the public's safety and the public should be very comforted by the fact of today's raids, and the fact that we will continue in our mission to stop them," he said. "We have seized a large amount of items which will be subject to forensic examination and further persons will be charged."

Thursday, 26 April 2012

No bail for alleged Comanchero

alleged member of the Comanchero outlaw bikie gang did not apply for bail in a brief appearance in Wollongong Local Court today. North Wollongong man Steven Augoustou, 25, was arrested after a car was pulled over by police on Church St about 3am yesterday. When Augoustou was searched, the officer allegedly found a loaded handgun. Further searches allegedly revealed he was also carrying a large knife. Police will allege Augoustou is a member of the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang. The driver of the car, a 32-year-old woman, was also arrested after checks revealed her licence had been suspended. The pair was taken to Wollongong police station, and were interviewed by detectives. The woman was charged with driving with a suspended licence while the man was charged with possessing a gun in a public place, possessing an unauthorised pistol, possessing a gun with its serial number altered and possessing a knife in a public place. Augoustou did not apply for bail and it was formally refused this afternoon.

Bikie feud revs up on the Gold Coast

BIKIE tensions continued to escalate yesterday as Hells Angels members were evicted from the Mermaid Beach Tavern -- within walking distance of the Bandidos clubhouse and the tattoo parlour that was shot up on Tuesday morning. The Hells Angels -- not in colours -- were drinking at the tavern and refused to leave when asked by management. Police descended on the tavern just after 3pm and confronted the bikies to force them to leave. Once outside the Hells Angels complained they were "just having a drink on Anzac Day". One member waited until police left then revved his Harley at traffic lights before running a red light and driving into traffic. Police said the choice of the Mermaid Beach Tavern was deliberate and came less than two days after a nearby Bandido-protected tattoo parlour was sprayed with bullets. The Hells Angels are not based on the Coast but have been pushing to open a chapter in the city. Their club is based at Tradelink Drive at Browns Plains and senior club members have been pushing for a slice of the lucrative Gold Coast party precinct. Police fear the violence will escalate as the Angels continue to muscle in on Coast turf. The Coast has been relatively stable after the gangs met at a neutral Carrara bar to divide territory a number of years ago, with the Finks taking Surfers Paradise and the Bandidos Broadbeach. Gang sources say there is no room for the Angels and the bikies will resist any move by the glamour club to move in on the Coast. Despite Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson declaring bikie gangs the "greatest challenge to face law enforcement", Queensland Premier Campbell Newman played down the threat when he likened bikies in gang colours to football supporters clad in jerseys. The Premier on Tuesday said he did not support "some sort of artificial construct to try to capture a particular group", instead saying his Government would focus on punishing real crime. "But as a principle, the team that I lead believe that you shouldn't be sort of penalised for wearing your footy team uniform or jersey," he said. "Crime is what you should be punished for." Mr Newman's comments have been celebrated in bikie forums but police have labelled the comments as "naive and misguided". Detectives on Tuesday denied there was a bikie turf war on the Gold Coast. But Task Force Hydra, set up to fight outlaw motorcycle gangs in Queensland, has been called in to help the investigation. The Serious and Violent Crime Squad has also been called in to assist.

Hells Angel bikie granted bail

HELLS Angels bikie accused of torching a police paddy wagon has been freed on bail. Scott Allen Orrock, 47, appearing via videolink in Sydney's Central Local Court today, is alleged to have set fire to a police paddy wagon that was parked outside his Newtown tattoo parlour early Friday morning. Police had parked the vehicle there in order to prevent any reprisal attacks between rival bikie gangs the Hells Angels and the Nomads. Orrock had complained to police at Newtown station about it before the paddy wagon was set alight about 3am (AEST) on Friday. Magistrate Julie Huber noted his previous convictions did not involve assaults or actions taken against police. Without presuming any guilt, she acknowledged Orrock had asked that the police vehicle be moved as it was posing a threat to the safety of his wife and two children. "Under the circumstances, I am satisfied that bail should be granted," Ms Huber told the court. Orrock was granted bail with strict conditions and ordered to have an acceptable person post a $10,000 surety bond. He will next appear in Downing Centre Local Court on June 7.

Wednesday, 25 April 2012

POLICE have confronted Hells Angel bikies at a Gold Coast pub, just a day after a tattoo studio owned by the Bandidos was peppered with bullets.

There is escalating tension between outlaw motorcycle gangs on the Glitter Strip, with reports the Hells Angels are trying to muscle in on territory controlled by established rivals.

It is believed a group of Hells Angels were drinking at the Mermaid Tavern this afternoon when one of their members became embroiled in an altercation with a bar worker.

The entire group, dressed only in civilian clothes and not wearing club colours, was asked to leave, but refused, sparking a call to the police.

Officers arrived at the venue and spoke to members of the gang, who eventually left the pub without further incident.

It is the latest in a growing number of incidents involving outlaw motorcycle gangs.

The Hells Angels made a highly visible visit to the Gold Coast last month as part of their national run, while a Helensvale gym owned by a senior gang member was sprayed with bullets late last year.

Bikie Inc

Monday, 23 April 2012

Inmates at Tasmania's Risdon prison capture and injure guards

Two prison officers were held captive by a group of maximum security prisoners at Tasmania's troubled Risdon prison today. The prisoners injured the guards in a stand-off that lasted for about 30 minutes before other staff responded and they were released, a Corrective Services spokesman said. Details of the injuries were not immediately available, he said. Advertisement: Story continues below Staff hostages were last taken at the prison in November. There have been a series of incidents - including riots, brawls and escapes - at the prison over recent years. Following a report by former Australian Federal Police commissioner Mick Palmer, the Tasmanian government appointed a British corrections specialist as a change manager to overhaul Risdon. Brian Edwards, who held senior positions within the United Kingdom Prison Service, began work in February.

Ex-Comanchero Bikie Charged Over Meth Haul|

A former bikie member has allegedly been caught with nearly half a kilogram of methylamphetamine, as well as weapons and a stolen motorcycle. Police spokeswoman Susan Usher said the gang crime squad last night apprehended a 27-year-old Balga man as he pulled into his driveway about 8.15pm. The man, believed to be a former member of the Comancheros outlaw motorcycle gang, was allegedly found to be in possession of nearly 500 grams of methylamphetamine, as well as quantities of ecstasy and steroids. Advertisement: Story continues below It will be alleged the man also had a .32 calibre handgun, unlicensed ammunition, knives and a stolen Honda motorcycle and laptop. The proceeds of crime squad will also be conducting inquiries into the man's assets, including a $450,000 house and $100,000 in items found at the home. He has been charged with 12 offences, and is due to appear in Perth Magistrates Court today.

Adelaide bikie gang boss Vince Focarelli has mental health issues as a result of being held in appalling circumstances

Adelaide bikie gang boss Vince Focarelli has mental health issues as a result of being held in appalling circumstances and being refused permission to attend his murdered son's funeral, his lawyer says. Focarelli, 37, is confined to a cell 23 hours a day in a maximum security prison wing, on remand for bail breaches and alleged drug offences despite the presumption of innocence, his lawyer David Edwardson, QC, says. Mr Edwardson said Focarelli had been in custody for two months but his lawyers had received "not a single piece of paper" in support of the charges that were laid against his client as he lay in hospital in February, recovering from gunshot wounds he received in an ambush that killed his son, Giovanni, 22. Giovanni last month had a big, teary send-off from family, friends, bikies and hundreds of regulars at Friday prayers at his local mosque. Focarelli was denied bail because of authorities' concerns about the risk of attacks that could put the public and him at risk. Focarelli was also shot in December and before that was the target of a failed bomb attack by two men linked to the Hells Angels - both of whom died when the bomb exploded early. In court on Friday, Mr Edwardson asked magistrate Paul Foley to order two reports ahead of a fresh bail application. He sought one report into Focarelli's mental health and one into the circumstances of his detention. "It is, quite frankly, appalling," Mr Edwardson said. Mr Edwardson said Focarelli was allowed only three supervised, 25-minute visits a week, making it impossible to have legally privileged conversations. Mr Foley said the circumstances for refusing bail in the first place had not changed. He said he would not order the reports or hear a bail application. Police allegedly found 413 grams of the liquid drug butanediol in Focarelli's car after he and Giovanni were shot. They arrested him in hospital, where he stayed for four weeks until he was moved to Yatala prison. Focarelli refused to cooperate with police investigating the shooting and, before his hospital arrest, had spurned offers of police protection.

Sunday, 22 April 2012

Notoriety was main undoing of gang of pseudo-bikies

THE criminal outfit Notorious announced its arrival five years ago with guns literally blazing. It is a pseudo-bikie gang. Bikies without bikes. But that didn't stop its members. They shot at NRL players during a dispute in Kings Cross the night of their ''coming out'' party and gained further infamy in Sydney's criminal underworld with a series of brazen attacks on more established outlaw motorcycle outfits. Advertisement: Story continues below They were suspected of firebombing the Hells Angels clubhouse in Petersham in 2009 and wrestled with the likes of the Comanchero and the Rebels for lucrative drug turf, particularly in Kings Cross. ''When they initially started off they were trying to make a name for themselves," the Gangs Squad commander, Arthur Katsogiannis, said. ''They weren't your typical bikies … They weren't required to own or ride motorcycles. Really, their sole reason for joining was to link themselves to facilitate their criminal activities.'' But as motorcycle gangs play out the latest turf war in western Sydney - most notably last week the Hells Angels and Nomads - the name Notorious has not been uttered. That is because police say they have successfully dismantled the group. ''The group no longer exists in an organised structure,'' Mr Katsogiannis said. Notorious was formed in early 2007 when the president of the Parramatta chapter of the Nomads decided to quit that gang to start his own club. It took members from youth gangs like the Fairfield Boyz and the Assyrian Kings. They were dubbed ''Nike Bikies'' because the members wore white sneakers, fashionable T-shirts and expensive jeans instead of the traditional get up of boots, dirty vests and bushy beards. At its peak, Mr Katsogiannis said the group had only about 25 members. ''That isn't very much but when they initially started off they were trying to make a name for themselves in the media and amongst brazen acts,'' he said. ''They certainly got some notoriety but it also brought them to our attention." It made Notorious an obvious target for Strike Force Raptor, the proactive, high-visibility police unit set up to target bikie gangs following the fatal brawl at Sydney Airport in March 2009. In June the same year it targeted the then secretary of the gang, searching his home and finding guns, club colours and stolen goods. Two months later the president, Alan Sarkis, and three other high-ranking members were charged and jailed over a fight at the Dragonfly nightclub in Kings Cross. With high-ranking officials behind bars, Raptor began targeting the junior members. Over three years they arrested Notorious members on 95 occasions. In its first three years, Raptor arrested 1696 people across all gangs, laid 3857 charges and seized $2.2 million in cash but it is the dismantling of Notorious that could be its greatest achievement thus far. In June last year, Notorious made an unsuccessful attempt to rebuild but it fell apart as members patched over to the Nomads, one of the two groups involved in last week's tit-for-tat violence. ''Others are in jail or they are not involved in any criminal or gang activity," Mr Katsogiannis said. A source close to former gang members has told the Herald many of the club's members just ''moved on'' to other things, some getting out of the gang culture altogether. Another source said ''it was a bit hard to run a club'' when one of its most senior members, who cannot be identified, was in prison on unrelated offences.

Hell's Angels bikie member accused of torching a police paddy wagon near his Newtown tattoo parlour will face court

Hell's Angels bikie member accused of torching a police paddy wagon near his Newtown tattoo parlour will face court on Thursday after he was refused bail at Parramatta Bail Court this morning. In documents tendered to the court, police allege Scott Orrock, 47, set a police car on fire outside Skin Deep Tattoo Studio ten minutes after he asked officers to park elsewhere in the early hours of Friday. It is alleged Mr Orrock went into Newtown police station about 3am and threatened police officers, telling them to move the car "or I'll burn it to the ground". The police documents state he was captured on security footage pouring accelerant on the car in front of Buzz Bar Cafe on Kings Street ten minutes later. Police said initial examinations showed the front side passenger window had been smashed in and accelerant poured over the interior. Advertisement: Story continues below Mr Orrock's solicitor Antoine Sandroussi said the police had no witnesses or evidence whatsoever to convict his client of the early morning torching. Police said no one was injured when the unattended car was set alight. Mr Orrock, of Earlwood, was charged with maliciously damaging property by fire, threatening to damage another person's property and four counts of intimidating police after he handed himself in to Newtown police station yesterday morning. Magistrate Michael Morahan refused Mr Orrock's application for bail and said the nature of the alleged offence was too serious to allow him out of custody. It has been reported that Mr Orrock's defection from the Nomads bikie gang to Hells Angels could be linked to a recent spate of tit-for-tat shootings and violence across Sydney in recent weeks. Mr Orrock is due to appear via video link at Central Local Court on Thursday.

Friday, 20 April 2012

NSW bikies face tattoo parlour bans

Bikie gangs will be banned from owning tattoo parlours and wearing their colours in licensed Kings Cross venues, as the NSW government tries to stop tit-for-tat shootings in Sydney before a bikie war spirals out of control. The changes come after two more drive-by shootings overnight, this time in the city's northwest, linked by police to an ongoing dispute between rival gangs, the Hells Angels and Nomads. A police van was also torched outside an inner-west tattoo parlour, which reportedly has links to the Nomads. A total of 52 shootings have rocked Sydney in 2012 between bikie gangs and other rival organised crime groups. Premier Barry O'Farrell said the proposal to ban bikies owning tattoo parlours would be taken to Cabinet on Monday and introduced into parliament in May. It would mean amending the Crimes Act to include tattoo parlours on a list banning any involvement by declared criminal organisations. A new regime that gives NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione the power to refuse licences will be introduced. From next Friday, 23 outlaw motorcycle and crime gangs will also be banned from wearing colours at 58 Kings Cross venues, under changes to be put in place by the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing. "This is about sending a clear message that if you are wearing bikie colours it doesn't make you beyond the reach of the law," Mr O'Farrell told reporters on Friday. "Wearing bikie colours doesn't make you a superhero that protects you from the long arm of the law." Mr Scipione welcomed the tougher tattoo parlour regime and the Kings Cross ban, saying "this will allow us to get out there and do our job". "Police sought these from government and I'm very pleased to say that we will be making very good use of them as soon as we can," he said at the media conference. Sydney has this year witnessed a wave of shooting attacks, some on tattoo parlours, with many linked to a turf war between outlaw motorcycle gangs. Disputes are typically over drugs, turf or minor grievances.

Officers from the Gangs Squad have charged an alleged associate of the Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) with possessing an illegal handgun.

The arrest comes following investigations into a brawl involving alleged members of the Hells Angels earlier this year. The incident happened at Kings Cross about 12.15am on Sunday 5 February 2012, when a number of people from a group of about 50 Hells Angels were allegedly involved in a brawl with other people. Strike Force Cheviot was established to investigate the incident in conjunction with Strike Force Raptor. On Wednesday 11 April 2012, officers executed six simultaneous search warrants at the homes of Hells Angels members and associates in Wentworthville, Emu Plains, Macquarie Fields, Ryde, Smithfield and the Sydney CBD. Firearms, fireworks, prohibited drugs, steroids and chemicals used in drug manufacture were seized during the warrants, and inquiries into a number of people have continued. Yesterday (Thursday 19 April 2012), police arrested a 26-year-old Emu Plains man at Parramatta Police Station. He was charged with possess unauthorised pistol and possess unregistered pistol. The charges relate to the seizure of a .32 calibre Mauser handgun at Emu Plains during the search warrants. The man faced Parramatta Local Court yesterday afternoon and is next due to appear there on 31 May 2012.

Witnesses to ex-bikie's murder sought

DETECTIVES have renewed their appeal for help following the shooting murder of ex-bikie Darko Janceski in the Illawarra last Saturday. Police and ambulance crews rushed to Gannet St in Berkeley after receiving reports a number of shots had been fired. Darko Janceski, 32, was found in the front yard of his home with several gunshot wounds and died a short time later. He was shot by a man on a trail bike who rode away after a violent struggle with Janceski's father. Police are now appealing for information about the trail bike, which was last seen travelling west towards flagstaff Rd, Berkeley. The trail bike has been described as possibly being a Yamaha and blue and white in colour. A post mortem examination was conducted at Glebe on Monday and police are waiting on results.

FEARS that gun fuelled bikie wars are spreading across Australia continue to grow as authorities in three states try to grapple with the spiralling fire arm problem.

Yesterday NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione warned that a US style gun culture was heading to Australia. He said in NSW said the shootings between rival bikie and other criminal gangs were generally over drugs, turf or organised crime and previously were resolved with a punch-up. "Well, those days appear to have gone," Mr Scipione said. More likely, he believes Australia's biggest city is shifting towards American gun culture, where people settle disputes with firearms. Nine men have suffered gunshot wounds during 19 shootings in Sydney in April with a total of 52 shootings occurring in Sydney in 2012. "Perhaps we're moving down the American path where these sorts of disputes are resolved on the end of a handgun," Ms Scipione said. South Australian Attorney General John Rau has told The Advertiser today that he is concerned about the complex criminal activity behind public outbursts of violence. A gunman fired up to four shots at the ute of a Hells Angels bikie gang member, hitting him twice as he drove south through Adelaide, just after midnight. The man, 29, suffered gunshot wounds to his chest and upper arm but was able to drive to Royal Adelaide Hospital's emergency department about 12.30am. Police said the shooting was part of an internal gang feud. Mr Rau said it was yet another example of why the State Government was trying to push tougher crime laws through Parliament. "These individuals are emboldened by a sense of invulnerability which creates a risk, particularly to other criminals, but also, unfortunately, to completely innocent members of the public who might happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time," he said. "It demonstrates the tip of a bigger criminal iceberg and all we see occasionally is the tip of that iceberg when something like this occurs. The shooting was the latest in a series of violent incidents in Adelaide. In January, Comancheros bikie gang member Giovanni Focarelli was shot dead and his father, club president Vince, survived a fourth attempt on his life in a shooting at Dry Creek. In Queensland drug gangs are rushing to outgun their criminal rivals in a suburban arms race that also has petty crooks and children taking up weapons, reported The Courier-Mail. Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said he was monitoring the work of the newly established Firearms Investigation Team and revealed he might consider petitioning for extra resources. On Tuesday, the same day a detective was forced to shoot a man armed with a semi-automatic pistol, the Firearms Investigation Team raided a property near Gympie, 170km north of Brisbane, where they discovered a haul of high-powered weapons. The Courier-Mail believes the stash included handguns, semi-automatic rifles and a silencer. And farmers in country towns are being targeted by gun thieves, with the 10,000-strong town of Dalby recording more thefts last financial year than the Gold Coast. Mr Atkinson said police were finding everyone from drug lords to petty criminals - and even children - carrying guns. "Obviously we have the sharper end with the outlaw motorcycle gangs and organised criminals down to people who function in terms of organised crime at lower levels and in some cases down to juveniles," he said. "And that's very distressing."

Gun culture on the rise as Bikie gangs engage in arms race

FEARS that gun fuelled bikie wars are spreading across Australia continue to grow as authorities in three states try to grapple with the spiralling fire arm problem. Yesterday NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione warned that a US style gun culture was heading to Australia. He said in NSW said the shootings between rival bikie and other criminal gangs were generally over drugs, turf or organised crime and previously were resolved with a punch-up. "Well, those days appear to have gone," Mr Scipione said. More likely, he believes Australia's biggest city is shifting towards American gun culture, where people settle disputes with firearms. Nine men have suffered gunshot wounds during 19 shootings in Sydney in April with a total of 52 shootings occurring in Sydney in 2012. "Perhaps we're moving down the American path where these sorts of disputes are resolved on the end of a handgun," Ms Scipione said. South Australian Attorney General John Rau has told The Advertiser today that he is concerned about the complex criminal activity behind public outbursts of violence. A gunman fired up to four shots at the ute of a Hells Angels bikie gang member, hitting him twice as he drove south through Adelaide, just after midnight. The man, 29, suffered gunshot wounds to his chest and upper arm but was able to drive to Royal Adelaide Hospital's emergency department about 12.30am. Police said the shooting was part of an internal gang feud. Mr Rau said it was yet another example of why the State Government was trying to push tougher crime laws through Parliament. "These individuals are emboldened by a sense of invulnerability which creates a risk, particularly to other criminals, but also, unfortunately, to completely innocent members of the public who might happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time," he said. "It demonstrates the tip of a bigger criminal iceberg and all we see occasionally is the tip of that iceberg when something like this occurs. The shooting was the latest in a series of violent incidents in Adelaide. In January, Comancheros bikie gang member Giovanni Focarelli was shot dead and his father, club president Vince, survived a fourth attempt on his life in a shooting at Dry Creek. In Queensland drug gangs are rushing to outgun their criminal rivals in a suburban arms race that also has petty crooks and children taking up weapons, reported The Courier-Mail. Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said he was monitoring the work of the newly established Firearms Investigation Team and revealed he might consider petitioning for extra resources. On Tuesday, the same day a detective was forced to shoot a man armed with a semi-automatic pistol, the Firearms Investigation Team raided a property near Gympie, 170km north of Brisbane, where they discovered a haul of high-powered weapons. The Courier-Mail believes the stash included handguns, semi-automatic rifles and a silencer. And farmers in country towns are being targeted by gun thieves, with the 10,000-strong town of Dalby recording more thefts last financial year than the Gold Coast. Mr Atkinson said police were finding everyone from drug lords to petty criminals - and even children - carrying guns. "Obviously we have the sharper end with the outlaw motorcycle gangs and organised criminals down to people who function in terms of organised crime at lower levels and in some cases down to juveniles," he said. "And that's very distressing."

Wednesday, 18 April 2012

fear rules the streets as bikie war hits full blast

Five shootings within a few hours - and a machine gun spraying bullets in a suburban street - as a war between rival bikie gangs ramped up to terrifying heights. Senior police conceded it was a "shocking" few hours, with the first gun fired at a Granville house just after midnight yesterday. Gunfire continued throughout Sydney's western suburbs four more times before dawn. Senior police tried to deny a full-blown bikie war was imminent while at the same time admitting a turf war between the Hells Angels and Nomads outlaw motorcycle gang members were behind four of the five shootings. A fifth shooting at Northmead was not bikie linked, instead believed to be the result of business dealings gone bad.

Hells Angels bikie gang member shot in chest and arm

HELLS Angels bikie gang member is in a serious but stable condition after being shot in the chest and arm overnight. The Angle Vale man, 29, managed to drive himself to the Royal Adelaide Hospital emergency department in a white Nissan ute about 12.20am with two gunshot wounds. His injuries are not considered life-threatening. Police are investigating where the shooting took place, and crime-scene forensic investigators examined the ute this morning. The ute has at least four bullet holes in it and has been towed away from the RAH.

Ibrahim pub damaged by suspicious fire

The Abercrombie Hotel, a historic Sydney pub with links to nightclub boss John Ibrahim, has been badly damaged in a suspicious fire. Emergency services were called to the pub on the corner of Broadway and Abercrombie Streets about 2.40am today and found the ground floor ablaze. Firefighters put out the flames but the pub was left with "significant damage", including smoke and water damage in the upper levels, police said.

Tuesday, 17 April 2012

fear rules the streets as bikie war hits full blast

Spate of overnight shootings across Sydney

Police believe a dispute between two bikie gangs is behind four out of five shooting attacks on Sydney homes and businesses overnight. They have formed a strike force to investigate the attacks, which they say are part of a turf war between the Nomads and Hells Angels clubs. Officers say two homes targeted belong to family members of Hells Angels club members. In the first shooting of the night a man heard shots outside his home at Granville around midnight. But he did not report the shots to police until he found bullet holes in the front of the house at about 6:30am (AEST). Police say the home is owned by family of senior Hells Angels bikie Mahmoud Dib. Shots were then fired into a Baulkham Hills tattoo shop, Tattoo World, about an hour after the Granville attack. Police say a man wearing dark clothing and a black balaclava was seen running away from the shop. No-one was inside the business at the time. Bullets were next fired into the Merrylands home of the parents of senior Hells Angel Jeffrey Sahyoun at about 2:40am. The shots penetrated the kitchen of the home, but three elderly residents inside were not injured. Police have confirmed the occupants included the parents of Sahyoun, who is currently in jail on unrelated charges. Another empty tattoo shop, Infamous Ink, was attacked in Merrylands shortly before 4:30am. Assistant Police Commissioner Frank Mennilli has told 702 ABC Sydney the shootings are cowardly. "This is where we have just individuals who've got a total disregard for the law of this state and its community," he said. "I can assure you and I can assure the community and your listeners these people just better be ready, because we'll be knocking on their door very shortly. "They're cowards who try to display their bravado by firing shots at roller shutter doors or cars or houses. "It's not the first time those particular businesses have been targeted and we know that they have been targeted in the past and they were never reported. "We know who are linked to those businesses and we are targeting them." Police say the fifth shooting is not linked to the others, but was the result of a business dispute. Seven people, including five children, escaped injury when their home in Northmead was shot at just after 1:00am. Three bullet holes could be seen in the windows and balcony door of a bedroom and rumpus room of the two-storey house on Centenary Avenue. A couple have told police their five children, aged between three and 14, were playing on a computer in the rumpus room at the time. At least two bullets narrowly missed the children as they lodged in the ceiling, and police say it is extremely lucky no-one was hurt. A cousin of the children, Sharif Barez, was among a group of relatives who arrived at the home early this morning to check on the family. "I'm relieved that they're safe. It's the repercussions that really still bother me in a sense, they're going to be living through this for a while," he said. 'It could be worse' The city has been in the grip of a wave of gun crime, with dozens of attacks this year alone. New crime figures have confirmed the increase in drive-by shootings is real and not perceived. Data from the state's Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research shows the number of incidents has risen by 41 per cent in the past two years. But the bureau's director, Don Weatherburn, says Sydney has seen worse periods for gun crime. "The increase in shootings is obviously a matter of real concern, but... the number of shooting incidents is still way below its peak in 2002," he said. "We've seen an upswing in the last two years, but there's a long way to go before we're back to where we were in 2002."

Finks jailed over Lamborghini theft

Heavily tattooed and well-built, the bikie walked into the Melbourne car dealership, looking for the owner and his bright yellow Lamborghini. He asked him to "go for a little walk". Srecko Lorbek, owner of Lorbek Luxury Cars at Port Melbourne, then had his head rammed into the back windscreen of a car. His attacker, Finks sergeant-at-arms Richard Michail, demanded the keys to his Lamborghini, while his accomplice, fellow Finks bikie Matthew Ward, waited outside. Michail made Mr Lorbek an offer: $50,000 in return for the car. He then drove off and parked the $400,000 luxury car outside the Finks clubhouse at Port Melbourne, where it was found undamaged by police. Michail, 38, and Ward, 34, were jailed on Monday for the brazen daylight robbery in May 2010. Victorian County Court Judge Mark Dean said the pair, found guilty of robbery after a trial, had shown no remorse and had poor prospects of rehabilitation. "This was a brazen offence and your conduct must be denounced by this court," the judge said. "Persons carrying out their lawful business must be protected by this court from acts of intimidation and violence of this type." Judge Dean said Michail had 18 prior convictions, while Ward had 19. He said Michail would find prison onerous due to injuries he suffered in a motorcycle accident in December, in which he fractured ribs and lacerated his spleen. Michail was jailed for a maximum three years and six months, with a non-parole period of two years. Ward, who the judge said played a secondary role in the robbery, was sentenced to three years with a non-parole period of 18 months.

Wednesday, 11 April 2012

Bikie enforcer walks free on driving counts

Not talking ... Toby Mitchell.

If Toby Mitchell, enforcer for one of the most notorious bikie gangs in Australia, had not been shot five times when ambushed outside a gym in November last year, he would have been jailed today.

Magistrate Lance Martin said he had taken into account the serious injuries Bandidos sergeant-at-arms Toby Mitchell suffered in the shooting when deciding not to jail him for three driving offences.

Mitchell, 37, pleaded guilty today in the Melbourne Magistrates Court to two counts of driving while his licence had been suspended and one count of driving an unroadworthy vehicle.

Toby Mitchell outside court today.Photo: Craig Abraham

Mr Martin said Mitchell, who needs a walking stick to get around since the November 28 shooting, had 10 previous convictions for similar driving offences and would normally have received an immediate jail term.

The magistrate said Mitchell's driving record showed he held court orders in contempt and had little regard for other road users, but significant weight had to be given to the injuries the bikie had received in the shooting and his early guilty plea.

Mr Martin sentenced Mitchell to four months' jail wholly suspended for 24 months, disqualified him from driving for six months and fined him $400 plus court costs of $67.70.

Defence lawyer Theo Magazis said Mitchell had been a champion kickboxer until his career ended when he broke his hand.

He was working as a personal trainer when shot outside Doherty's gym, next door to the Bandidos clubhouse, in Weston Street, Brunswick.

Mr Magazis said Mitchell was shot five times in the back and suffered serious life-threatening injuries.

He was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital where he spent a significant amount of time in the intensive care unit before stabilising and being transferred to the hospital's recovery unit.

Mitchell then suffered a setback with continuous and uncontrollable bleeding from the liver.

The bikie lost one kidney, had significant damage to his liver and little movement in his right wrist where one of the bullets hit him.

Mr Magazis said there was a striking difference between the man who appeared in court today and the bikie before the shooting.

Mitchell had gone from a "very strong, fit, motivated young man" to someone who had been left with "significant health issues to deal with".

He is now taking 10 different medications, needs to have fluid constantly drained from his liver and sees his doctors regularly. He has little feeling in his hip.

Prosecutor Sergeant Geoff Adams said Mitchell had been caught twice in March and June last year driving while suspended.

One excuse Mitchell gave was that he had to wash his car.

"He has no care for anyone else but himself," Sergeant Adams said.

Mitchell refused to comment outside court.

Two men are believed to have been behind the failed hit on November 28 but Mitchell has refused to speak to police about who might have gunned him down.

Bikie enforcer walks free on driving counts

Not talking ... Toby Mitchell.

If Toby Mitchell, enforcer for one of the most notorious bikie gangs in Australia, had not been shot five times when ambushed outside a gym in November last year, he would have been jailed today.

Magistrate Lance Martin said he had taken into account the serious injuries Bandidos serjeant-at-arms Toby Mitchell suffered in the shooting when deciding not to jail him for three driving offences.