Officers from the Organised Crime Gangs Groups’ (OCGG) Criminal Economy Unit have today arrested and charged a former Rebels OMCG office bearer for money laundering and fraud charges in Mackay, Queensland Police say.
Police will allege that a 44-year-old man from Emerald held senior positions with two chapters of The Rebels OMCG in Central Queensland and purchased a commercial property from profits obtained through his business dealings.
It will be further alleged that the commercial property was intended to be used by the Rebels as a clubhouse however was prevented with the introduction of the VLAD laws in 2013.
He was charged with one count of fraud and one count of money laundering and is due to appear in the Townsville Magistrates Court on June 6.
Detective Sergeant Kirk Bellotti of the Criminal Economy Unit said the arrest demonstrates the OCGG commitment to pursuing illegal activity of current and former members of organised crime groups and gang members despite their association ending
"It is alleged the man, whilst operating a business, failed to comply with his taxation requirements during the financial period 2012-2013 and later purchased commercial premises at Emerald using criminal proceeds," he said.
"We will allege a trust fund was used to purchase the Emerald commercial property so it could be used by the Rebels as their Emerald chapter clubhouse.
"The lasting effects of criminal wealth will be pursued by the Criminal Economy Unit who are committed to targeting criminal proceeds and those who assist crime groups and gang members."
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