ID :
197877
Thu, 07/28/2011 - 14:06
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/197877
The shortlink copeid
Bikies, accountants charged in fraud raids
SYDNEY (AAP) - July 28 - A Hells Angel bikie boss who was bailed to get married in mid-July is among a group of 10 people charged over a $5.5 million tax fraud and money laundering operation across Sydney.
More than 200 police raided 19 businesses and residences around 6.30am (AEST) on Thursday, seizing 10 firearms, cash, steroids, computers and financial documents.
It was one of the largest operations targeting outlaw motorcycle gangs and resulted in charges against three Hells Angels members and three accountants.
Gangs squad commander Detective Superintendent Arthur Katsogiannis said the dawn raids were a blow to bikie clubs and a warning to their accountants and lawyers.
"Today's arrests will have a substantial impact on the illegal activities of a major chapter of the Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle gang," Det Supt Katsogiannis told reporters in Sydney.
"We urge any person or finance industry professionals who are aware of, or involved in similar offences, to come forward now before police track you down."
Strike Force Edinburgh was established in April 2010 to investigate money laundering, tax fraud, extortion, illegal drug and firearms supply and the establishment of false businesses.
"It's one of the largest ever (operations) in the NSW history of the state crime command in targeting outlaw motorcycle gangs," Det Katsogiannis said.
"More arrests are expected - the investigation is still ongoing."
He said the alleged offences related to $5.5 million worth of fraudulent activity.
Ten men aged between 27 and 46 and a woman aged 27 were arrested during Thursday's raids.
The charges ranged from extortion, fraud, possessing prohibited weapons, participating in a criminal group and dealing with the proceeds of crime.
A 34-year-old man was released without charge pending further inquiries.
The others were either refused police bail or ordered to appear in various local courts at later dates.
Hells Angel Parramatta president Mustafa Jouayde was one of those refused bail.
In mid-July, Jouayde was charged with attempted extortion and denied bail but days later was granted release so he could go ahead with his $32,000, 250-guest wedding.
Det Supt Katsogiannis alleged that a large amount of the estimated $5.5 million was acquired from fraudulent Business Activity Statements lodged with the ATO.
The figures represented business losses and therefore triggered GST refunds.
"These gangs are now becoming more and more sophisticated and professional and they're using ... facilitators, like accountants and lawyers, to assist them with their money laundering and financial activities," he said.
Thursday's operation means a total of 16 people have been charged and 19 firearms seized under Strike Force Edinburgh.
More than 200 police raided 19 businesses and residences around 6.30am (AEST) on Thursday, seizing 10 firearms, cash, steroids, computers and financial documents.
It was one of the largest operations targeting outlaw motorcycle gangs and resulted in charges against three Hells Angels members and three accountants.
Gangs squad commander Detective Superintendent Arthur Katsogiannis said the dawn raids were a blow to bikie clubs and a warning to their accountants and lawyers.
"Today's arrests will have a substantial impact on the illegal activities of a major chapter of the Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle gang," Det Supt Katsogiannis told reporters in Sydney.
"We urge any person or finance industry professionals who are aware of, or involved in similar offences, to come forward now before police track you down."
Strike Force Edinburgh was established in April 2010 to investigate money laundering, tax fraud, extortion, illegal drug and firearms supply and the establishment of false businesses.
"It's one of the largest ever (operations) in the NSW history of the state crime command in targeting outlaw motorcycle gangs," Det Katsogiannis said.
"More arrests are expected - the investigation is still ongoing."
He said the alleged offences related to $5.5 million worth of fraudulent activity.
Ten men aged between 27 and 46 and a woman aged 27 were arrested during Thursday's raids.
The charges ranged from extortion, fraud, possessing prohibited weapons, participating in a criminal group and dealing with the proceeds of crime.
A 34-year-old man was released without charge pending further inquiries.
The others were either refused police bail or ordered to appear in various local courts at later dates.
Hells Angel Parramatta president Mustafa Jouayde was one of those refused bail.
In mid-July, Jouayde was charged with attempted extortion and denied bail but days later was granted release so he could go ahead with his $32,000, 250-guest wedding.
Det Supt Katsogiannis alleged that a large amount of the estimated $5.5 million was acquired from fraudulent Business Activity Statements lodged with the ATO.
The figures represented business losses and therefore triggered GST refunds.
"These gangs are now becoming more and more sophisticated and professional and they're using ... facilitators, like accountants and lawyers, to assist them with their money laundering and financial activities," he said.
Thursday's operation means a total of 16 people have been charged and 19 firearms seized under Strike Force Edinburgh.
