Criminal Groups Squad detectives will seek the extradition of the National President of the Nomads Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) at a Canberra court today, following an investigation into three public place shootings on the NSW south coast.
In December last year, the State Crime Command’s Criminal Groups Squad, together with officers from across Southern Region, established Strike Force Essendene to investigate several public place shootings, assaults and other criminal activities throughout the state’s south coast.
As a result of these investigations, 10 people have been arrested and 49 charges have been laid.
In April this year, strike force investigators joined with ACT Policing to investigate links between the alleged offences in NSW and ongoing criminal activity in Canberra.
Following extensive inquiries, officers attached to ACT Policing’s Taskforce Nemesis, with assistance from NSW Police Force Criminal Groups Squad detectives, arrested a 34-year-old man in Garran about 1.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 19 August 2020).
He was taken to the ACT Watch House.
Search warrants were executed a short time later at homes in the Canberra suburbs of Kingston and Kambah, where investigators seized two motor vehicles, a firearm, cash, prohibited drugs, jewellery and various OMCG paraphernalia, including patches.
The man will appear at ACT Magistrates Court today (Thursday 20 August 2020), where NSW Police Force detectives will apply for his extradition to NSW to face charges related to firearms and directing a criminal group.
Police will allege that the 34-year-old man supplied firearms that were used in three public place shootings in the Batemans Bay area.
Criminal Groups Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Robert Critchlow, said this arrest sends 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 New South Wales, it is only a matter of time before we find you, no matter where you choose to hide,” Det Supt Critchlow said.
“We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners across the country to ensure those who endanger the lives of others through their illegal behaviour, are put before the courts and held accountable.”
ACT Policing’s Detective Superintendent Scott Moller said he expected more charges to be laid in the future.
“With the arrest of the Nomads National President, the influence of this club within Canberra is now extremely limited,” Det Supt Moller said.
“Outlaw criminal gang members should know they are always up against the combined efforts of all police forces in Australia.
“This investigation with our partners is very much ongoing, and criminal networks to this offender in the ACT and NSW remain our focus.”
Investigations under Strike Force Essendene are ongoing.
Anyone with information that may assist detectives is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
