Detectives from the Echo Taskforce have arrested four men - including three patched members of the Finks Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) - this morning following the alleged extortion of an Eltham business owner last week.
With assistance from the VIPER Taskforce, early morning searches were conducted at five residential addresses in Dallas, Docklands, Wallan, Ascot Vale and Langwarrin, as well as at a Brunswick East clubhouse.
Four men have been taken into custody and will now be interviewed by police. They include:
• A 43-year-old Dallas man, believed to be a senior patched member of the Finks OMCG
• A 34-year-old Docklands man, believed to be a sergeant at arms of the Finks OMCG, and
• A 36-year-old Wallan man, believed to be a patched member of the Finks OMCG, and
• A 30-year-old Ascot Vale man, believed to be an associate of the Finks OMCG.
A handgun, ammunition and a significant quantity of cash were seized from the Ascot Vale address.
The 34-year-old Docklands man was arrested at an address in Langwarrin. He was aggressive towards police and consequently sprayed with OC spray.
He was also served with a Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO).
A subsequent search of the Langwarrin address located a shotgun, ammunition and a quantity of what appear to be cocaine and steroids.
This morning's activity follows an incident on Monday, 26 June, when the owner of a convenience store on Main Road in Eltham was threatened by a number of men trying to force the closure of his business.
Police have been told four men, one wearing Finks OMCG colours, entered the store shortly before midday.
It is believed one of the men struck up a conversation about the store with the owner, before another threatened to burn the store down if the victim didn't close his business.
The victim refused, and the men left the premises.
Nobody was physically injured during the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Police are keen to speak to anyone who has knowledge of the incident or has CCTV or dashcam footage.
Anyone with information 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 Ashley Ryan, Echo Taskforce:
"This is unacceptable fearmongering behaviour from OMCGs, not to mention a cowardly form of intimidation which would have been very alarming for the victim.
"If you are involved in organised criminal activity of any nature, you will be detected and you will be held accountable. It is frankly as simple as that.
"I'd also like to remind members of the community that when incidents like this one do take place, we will thoroughly investigate, and those involved will be held to account."
