The Australian Crime Commission is preparing to launch a nationwide crackdown on bikies that will target multiple clubs simultaneously in every state and territory.
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The ACC has formed a new taskforce – codenamed Morpheus – that will dramatically expand on previous anti-bikie operations that have typically focused on the activities of single clubs.
Operation Morpheus will see state and federal police forces, tax authorities, customs, Centrelink and the corporate regulator "investigate, disrupt, disable and dismantle the criminal activity of Australia's highest risk outlaw motorcycle gangs and their members", according to an announcement made today.
The ACC has refused to identify which clubs will be targeted by Morpheus.
The taskforce is expected to focus on identifying and seizing the assets amassed by outlaw motorcycle gangs, which has proven to be an effective method for intercepting the proceeds of crime and stymieing the activities of individual clubs in the past.
The Attero National Task Force, which was launched against the Rebels in February 2012, has led to the arrest or summons about 3000 people, the laying of 4200 charges and uncovering more than $15 million in tax liabilities.
"Operation Morpheus will be continuing this work, but with a broader focus on all outlaw motorcycle gangs that pose a risk to our community," said South Australia Police Assistant Commissioner Paul Dickson, chair of the ACC's Serious and Organised Crime Coordination Committee.
cvedelago@theage.com.au
