AN interstate outlaw motorcycle gang has made inquiries about rural Victorian property suitable for a clubhouse.
The Herald Sun understands a man said to be representing the interests of the notorious Finks gang - which operates mainly in South Australia and Queensland - has made real estate inquiries about properties in the Ballarat region.
Police intelligence suggests no other outlaw motorcycle gang operates a headquarters within the Ballarat area.
"The Finks have been making inquiries about coming to Victoria," a regional police source told the Herald Sun.
"It would appear they're interested in completing an east coast corridor for themselves and their activities."
If the Finks were to purchase property in Ballarat, it would be their first serious move into Victoria.
Police sources fear that such a move could foreshadow a move by other outlaw motorcycle gangs to follow suit and look to Victoria as a state in which to broaden their power bases.
According to police, bikie gangs consider Victoria an easier state in which to operate because of its opposition to tough anti-bikie laws in place in South Australia.
Under the Serious and Organised Crime (Control) Act, SA authorities are seeking to declare the Finks a banned organisation, alleging some of its members have been involved in crimes including rape, assault and drug manufacture.
The Finks have denied the allegations and threatened legal action over the move to make their organisation illegal.
Like anti-terrorist laws, the legislation effectively makes it illegal for gang members to consort or gather together.
Similar laws are mooted in New South Wales and Queensland, but Victorian authorities continue to oppose their introduction on the basis they are "draconian".
News of the Finks' Victorian inquiries follows unprecedented hostility between warring gangs around the country.
Last October, Bandidos enforcer Ross Brand was shot dead in Geelong. In March this year, Hells Angels affiliate Anthony Zervas was bashed to death during a brawl at Sydney Airport.
His brother, Peter, the Hells Angels' sergeant-at-arms, was lucky to survive after being gunned down in a drive-by shooting days later.
Shamed Hells Angels leaders in the United States reportedly issued an edict for their Australian "brothers" to shoot bikie enemies "on sight".
DRACONIAN laws , at least vic. has got that right !!!!!!!!! .
I think the MC might win this in nsw and Qld
I think the artical iFnny is quoting also said it would be the first "gang" in Ballarat. see the following 2 articles
1: from the Ballarat Courier
State Opposition leader Ted Baillieu has also declared Victoria could become the bikie capital of Australia if tougher anti-bikie laws weren't enacted.
According to The Herald Sun, the Finks gang has inquired about property in Ballarat to use for a clubhouse.
Inspector Gerry Rudkins of Ballarat Police said if the reports were true, it may be of concern if a bikie gang came here.
"Any group of people currently involved in crime we would be watching very closely," Insp Rudkins said.
It is believed Ballarat is currently the headquarters of one bikie group, the Bandidos, which Insp Rudkins said could pose potential problems if the Finks also based themselves here.
"It may cause some conflict between the two groups."
Mr Baillieu said Victoria needed to take the same stance as South Australia, which was trying to make the Finks a banned organisation by claiming some of its members had been involved in crime.
New South Wales and Queensland are looking at similar legislation.
"I am critically concerned that the government's approach on anti-bikie laws runs the risk of turning Victoria into bikie headquarters, because we have the lowest common denominator legislation," Mr Baillieu said in Ballarat yesterday.
The Finks operate mainly in South Australia and Queensland, but are believed to be looking for a Victorian base due to its lack of anti-bikie laws. \
2: BY: Paul Anderson Source: news.com.au
Seems like the usual confusion. Cant let facts get in the way of a good ( read beat up) story. One article states "Police intelligence suggests no other outlaw motorcycle gang operates a headquarters within the Ballarat area" the other "It is believed Ballarat is currently the headquarters of one bikie group, the Bandidos, which Insp Rudkins said could pose potential problems if the Finks also based themselves here."
It is all very interesting regarding Ballarat and there are a few of us here who surely know other bikers in the region and are all happy travellers.
should we be worried?
On the grapvine two members from a Sydney gang visiting here on a recent event held in Melb - did a detour and enquired about property in Ballarat (what is all the interest in Ballarat! - dont tell me I dont want to know)...................................
So I think this is a subject to be watched; and if your afraid best move out of Victoria I think....
