23 Dec 2020

Australia to deport two New Zealand bikies posing 'significant risk'

8:55 am on 23 December 2020

Two men in their sixties who are considered to be high-ranking members of an Australian bikie gang are facing deportation to New Zealand.

A New Zealand passport with silver fern on a red background (file photo)

Photo: 123RF

The pair, aged 64 and 65, were arrested this week in Adelaide and taken into immigration detention in a joint operation by border officials, federal police and the South Australia police.

The men are considered to be the founding members of the Descendants Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG), Australian police said.

Australian police said both men posed a "significant risk" to the South Australian and wider Australian community.

The gang is a 'declared criminal organisation' in South Australia.

Australian Federal Police detective acting superintendent Gavin Stone said: "Outlaw motorcycle gangs exist for one reason only - to make as much money as possible, in any way possible.

"They are sophisticated, violent organised criminal networks that have zero respect for the law and regard themselves as above it, and the Descendants are no different.

"The AFP-led National Anti-Gangs Squad will use all powers at our disposal to keep Australians safe from these criminal gangs."

Since 2014, more than 300 OMCG or organised crime members have had their Australian visas cancelled or refused.

Australian Border Force commander of special investigations Greg Linsdell said along with its partner agencies it was focused on disrupting the activities of outlaw motorcycle gangs.

"Any non-citizen with an extensive criminal history and involvement with a criminal organisation, such as an OMCG, can expect to have their Australian visa cancelled and to be removed from our country."

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