Detectives from the Echo Taskforce arrested a patched member of the Coffin Cheaters Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) and seized drugs and weapons following a series of warrants yesterday targeting the Coffin Cheaters OMCG.
With assistance from the Special Operations Group (SOG), the VIPER Taskforce, the Dog Squad and the Hobsons Bay, Latrobe and Baw Baw Crime Investigation Units, early morning searches were conducted at four clubhouses in Dandenong, Braeside, Morwell and Warragul.
During the searches, investigators seized a quantity of what appears to be cannabis and a pair of knuckle dusters.
A 68-year-old Dandenong man, a patched member of the Coffin Cheaters, was cautioned for drug possession.
Three men were previously charged in relation to the investigation, including:
• A 36-year-old Truganina man, who is a patched member of the OMCG, was charged with extortion, false imprisonment, assault, assault with a weapon and threats to injure.
He was previously bailed from court to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 2 February, 2024.
• A 31-year-old man from Armstrong Creek and a 27-year-old Cairnlea man were both charged with threat and assault related offences.
The 31-year-old remains on remand, and the 27-year-old-man was bailed by Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. Both will appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 2 February, 2024.
The charges follow several incidents in Laverton and Altona North last month.
The first incident allegedly occurred on 27 September at a business premises in Laverton where a man was threatened and assaulted.
The second incident allegedly occurred at the man’s business premises in Altona North on 2 October where an employee was threatened and assaulted following a minor traffic incident involving a company vehicle.
The third incident allegedly occurred later that day on 2 October at the same Altona North premises where it’s believed a number of men were involved in an affray at the property.
Two men were hospitalised as a result of this incident, with one sustaining life altering physical impediments.
The investigation into the incidents by Echo Taskforce and Hobsons Bay Crime Investigation Unit remains ongoing.
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Mick Daly, Echo Taskforce:
“This kind of unacceptable violent behaviour from OMCGs is cowardly and it will not be tolerated. We will not allow our communities to be intimidated by these people.
“If you are involved in organised criminal activity of any nature, rest assured, you will be held to account no matter where you are. It is as simple as that.
“Organised crime entities living in rural parts of the state who think their distance from the city affords them anonymity or impunity – you are sadly mistaken.
“It’s important for members of the community to understand that when incidents like these occur, Victoria Police will thoroughly investigate and hold those involved to account.”
