Two men from interstate are expected to face court in Sydney next month following an extensive investigation into motorcycle re-birthing, NSW Police say.
Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Property Crime Squad established Strike Force Ologhlen to investigate motorcycle re-birthing and their resale in NSW.
During their inquiries, strike force investigators were assisted by Victoria Police, Tasmania Police, Australian Border Force, and Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives executed two search warrants at motorcycle dealers at Launceston, Tasmania, and Frankston, Victoria, on Wednesday (27 July 2016).
Police located and seized a punch stamp set, compliance labels, computers, and documentation.
A 33-year-old man was arrested by virtue of interstate warrants at the Launceston business and charged with four counts of fraud, deal in proceeds of crime knowingly conceal.
He appeared at Launceston Magistrates Court, where he was granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday 18 August 2016.
About 10am yesterday, detectives arrested a 29-year-old man by virtue of interstate warrants at a Melbourne Police Station, and was charged with four counts of fraud, deal in proceeds of crime knowingly conceal.
He appeared at Melbourne Magistrates Court, where he was granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday 18 August 2016.
Police will allege the men were involved in the sale of up to 85 re-birthed motorcycles across Australia, including 35 sold in NSW.
Following the arrests, a further search warrant was executed at a business at Tullamarine, Victoria, where strike force detectives seized documentation.
Property Crime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Murray Chapman, said vehicle re-birthing is a serious crime and potentially puts unsafe puts unsafe vehicles back on the road.
"NSW Police Force conducts regular investigations into organised vehicle theft and re-birthing to combat illegal activities, where industry lose out and the vehicles put the lives of innocent road users at risk," Det Supt Chapman said.
"We will continue to work closely with law enforcement colleagues across Australia, and other agencies, to ensure offenders are identified and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Det Supt Chapman commended Strike Force Ologhlen detectives and their interstate counterparts for their collaborative, unyielding effort.
"This was an extensive and complex investigation, and all police involved have done an outstanding job," Det Supt Chapman said.
"Their efforts have dismantled what we believe was a sophisticated and carefully-orchestrated motorcycle re-birthing syndicate, and we’re confident it has now been stopped in its tracks.
"As always, we would like to thank the community for their support and continue to encourage anyone with information concerning motorcycle or vehicle re-birthing to contact Crime Stopers.
