The national president of the Nomads outlaw motorcycle gang will face the ACT Magistrates Court this morning (20 August) charged with supplying firearms that were used in three public place shootings in the Batemans Bay area in December last year. He was also arrested on criminal group related offences.
NSW Police are seeking his extradition to NSW.
ACT police officers from Taskforce Nemesis, which targets illegal Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) activity in the ACT, made the arrest in a joint operation with NSW Police Criminal Groups Squad in the ACT suburb of Garran yesterday.
Detective Superintendent Scott Moller said he expected more charges to be laid in the future.
“At this time, investigations are still ongoing in relation to ACT specific offences relating to drug and property matters,” Detective Superintendent Moller said.
Police said that in April of this year, Taskforce Nemesis and NSW Police Criminal Groups Squad commenced a joint investigation into the activities of the Nomads’ national president to gain more intelligence for separate enquiries being pursued since December last year.
The investigation culminated yesterday with the execution of two search warrants in Kambah and Kingston where investigators seized two motor vehicles, a firearm, cash, prohibited drugs, jewellery and various OMCG paraphernalia including patches.
Detective Superintendent Moller said the arrest of the Nomads national president meant the influence of the club within Canberra was now extremely limited.
“Outlaw criminal gang members should know Australian and international police agencies work collaboratively on these investigations, and state and international borders will not inhibit our ability to pursue these criminals,” he said.
“This investigation with our partners is very much ongoing, and any criminal gangs in the ACT and NSW remain our focus.”
Criminal Groups Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Robert Critchlow said this arrest sent a strong message to those who commit crimes in NSW and attempt to evade police interstate.
“If you wish to jeopardise the safety of the community through criminal activity in NSW, it is only a matter of time before we find you, no matter where you choose to hide,” Detective Superintendent Critchlow said.
“We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners across the country to ensure those who endanger lives through their illegal behaviour are put before the courts and held accountable.”
Original Article published by Ian Bushnell on The RiotACT.