Detectives from the Echo Taskforce have charged three people this today as part of an investigation into an alleged extortion linked to the Comanchero Outlaw Motor Cycle Gang (OMCG).
Warrants were executed from 6am this morning at three residential properties in Narre Warren, Hallam and Cranbourne East, as well as a gym in Hallam.
A 49-year-old Narre Warren man, who is a patched member of the Comanchero OMCG, has been charged with extortion, blackmail, threat to kill and theft of motor vehicle.
A 19-year-old Hallam man has been charged with extortion, possess steroids, fail to provide information pursuant to a 465AA order and weapons offences.
The pair will face Melbourne Magistrates' Court this afternoon.
A 25-year-old Cranbourne East man has been charged with extortion, possess steroids, possess proceeds of crime, fail to provide information pursuant to a 465AA order and weapons offences.
He is expected to be bailed to appear before court at a later date.
Detectives also seized a number of items from the addresses including cash, weapons and steroids.
These arrests form part of an investigation by the Echo Taskforce into an alleged extortion and subsequent threats made to two victims over the past 12 months.
Anyone with information about OMCG activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Dan Ryan, Echo Taskforce:
"The Comanchero OMCG is a group historically linked to offences of immense community harm such as extortion, so to arrest three people today as part of this investigation is an excellent result.
"We also understand how difficult it can be for victims to engage with police in these matters.
"It's important that community is aware of the support police can provide when they are a victim of offending such as this, and that we will do everything we can to ensure those who purposely intimidate the public in this way are held to account."
