Detectives from the Crime Command, Organised Crime Gangs Group and Taskforce Maxima have charged 23 people as part of a statewide operation targeting members and associates of the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG).
Operation Yankee Copperleaf involved the simultaneous execution of 25 search warrants yesterday across multiple locations, including Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Airlie Beach, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Ipswich and Gold Coast, with the assistance of the Major and Organised Crime Squad, Rural and Stock Crime Squad, regional detectives and tactical crime squads.
Investigations identified Rebels OMCG members allegedly wearing modified black vests displaying subdued or blacked-out insignia in public. Police allege the vests replicate the design and layout of traditional Rebels colours and continue to identify the wearer as a member of the OMCG.
Detectives charged 23 men, aged between 29 and 67, with 44 offences, including 23 prohibited item offences. Among those charged are 10 alleged senior members of the Rebels OMCG, including three presidents, a treasurer, secretary, three state representatives, a national sergeant-at-arms and a national committee member. Police also issued a weapons licence revocation and two consorting notices. Investigations are continuing.
During the searches, officers seized OMCG vests, firearms and weapons, quantities of cocaine, and other prohibited drugs.
Detective Superintendent Troy Pukallus said the operation demonstrates Queensland Police Service’s ongoing commitment to disrupting and targeting organised crime, criminal gangs and their networks.
“The operation was intended to disrupt the Rebels OMCG’s ability to publicly display and promote their organisation while supporting ongoing intelligence gathering and organised crime investigations,” Detective Superintendent Pukallus said.
“OMCG’s have long been linked to serious and violent criminal activity, including drug trafficking, firearms, homicide, assault, extortion, and domestic and family violence offences. Our focus remains on protecting the community from the intimidation, fear and harm these groups can cause.
