Qld police charge 23 men in crackdown on Rebels bikie gang

Queensland police have charged 23 men in a statewide operation targeting the Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang. In a statement, the Queensland Police Service said officers conducted 25 search warrants from the Gold Coast to Cairns yesterday. Investigators identified Rebels members allegedly wearing vests with the subdued or blacked-out patches of the gang's insignias in public. Police said the vests, although modified, still identified the wearer as part of the Rebels group. In Queensland, it is illegal to wear any clothing, jewellery or accessories that display the logos or "colours" of "identified organisations", which include several bikie gangs. Twenty-three men, aged between 29 and 67, were charged with 44 offences, including 23 charges of wearing or carrying a prohibited item. Authorities allege 10 of the men charged are senior Rebels members, including three presidents, a treasurer, a secretary, and three state representatives. Loading...Detective Superintendent Troy Pukallus said the Queensland Police Service was committed to targeting organised crime. "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." During the searches, officers seized several Rebels vests, as well as firearms, weapons, cocaine and other drugs. Police also issued a weapons licence revocation and two consorting notices. Investigations are ongoing.