The national president of the Nomads Outlaw Motorcycle Gang was arrested in Canberra yesterday (Wednesday 19 August) by ACT Policing’s Taskforce Nemesis.
The 34-year-old Kingston man was arrested in Garran during a joint operation with NSW Police Criminal Groups Squad.
He has been conveyed to the ACT Watch House and is expected to face the ACT Magistrates Court today (Thursday 20 August) where NSW Police officers will apply for his extradition to NSW.
The man was wanted in relation to firearm and directing a criminal group in NSW.
After the man was arrested, the joint investigative team executed a number of search warrants in both Kambah and Kingston to investigate offences that occurred both in the ACT and NSW.
During these searches, investigators uncovered a large amount of cash, jewellery, a number of motor vehicles and an amount of gang paraphernalia.
With this man’s arrest, ACT Policing said the influence of his club within the ACT and broader Australian community has been significantly reduced.
In April of this year, Taskforce Nemesis and NSW Police Criminal Groups Squad commenced a joint investigation into the activities of the Nomads’ national president to gain more intelligence for separate enquiries being pursued since December last year.
The investigation culminated yesterday, with the execution of two search warrants in Kambah and Kingston.
NSW Police Criminal Groups Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Robert Critchlow, said this investigation commenced in NSW in December 2019 after several public place shootings and acts of violence in and around Batemans Bay.
“The criminal group squad commenced the investigations in partnership with southern region NSW police and very quickly ascertained that the activity had been directed and led by offenders from the ACT.”
He said their AFP colleagues had assisted them in providing information regarding the roles of the individuals within the gang and their associates.
In the course of the investigations, 11 individuals have been arrested, all either members or close associates of the Nomads.
“We’ve seized numerous exhibits including firearms, including a shotgun which we will allege was used in these public place shootings … A number of vehicles and other weapons have also been seized,” Detective Superintendent Robert Critchlow said.
Detective Superintendent Scott Moller said he expected more charges to be laid in the future, noting this investigation is ongoing with ACT and NSW criminal gangs in their sights.
“At this time, investigations are still ongoing in relation to ACT specific offences relating to drug and property matters,” Detective Superintendent Moller said.
“With the arrest of this Nomads national president, the influence of this club within Canberra is now extremely limited.
“Outlaw criminal gang members should know Australian and international police agencies work collaboratively on these investigations, and state and international borders will not inhibit our ability to pursue these criminals,” Detective Superintendent Moller said.
Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.
