Raptor Squad arrest North Richmond member of Finks OMCG – one of 3 charged over alleged extortion

Raptor Squad have arrested and charged three senior Finks outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) members – including a North Richmond man allegedly in possession of a sawn-off shotgun – over the alleged extortion of a Riverstone shopkeeper.

Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad formed Strike Force Gilruth in April to investigate the alleged extortion of a 45-year-old shopkeeper by members of the Finks OMCG.

Police were told a 25-year-old Riverstone man had been loaned $11,500 cash by the shopkeeper in exchange for jewellery items, a motorcycle and a boat earlier this year.

Arrest of the North Richmond man by Raptor Squad detective

On Wednesday April 28, three men walked into the Riverstone shop and allegedly demanded the loaned items be given to them by the shopkeeper, who declined.

It will be alleged by police the three men continued to threaten the shopkeeper, demanding the jewellery be handed over.

Following extensive investigations, Raptor Squad executed seven search warrants yesterday – Wednesday – at 6am at homes in North Richmond, Chatswood, North St Marys, Tregear, Bidwell, Riverstone, and Raymond Terrace.

During the searches, officers seized knuckledusters, 19 explosives, two firearms, a motorcycle engine, electronic devices, OMCG clothing, as well as a small amount of cannabis and steroids.

All items seized will be subject to further examination.

Sawn-off shotgun allegedly found at the arrested North Richmond man’s home

The 26-year-old North Richmond man was charged at Windsor Police Station, with demand property in company with menaces with intent to steal, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm, and participate in a criminal group contribute criminal activity, not keep firearm safely- not pistol/prohibited firearm – possess unregistered firearm, and possess shortened firearm (not pistol) without authority.

The North Richmond man was refused bail and will appear at Parramatta Local Court today – Thursday.

A 25-year-old Chatswood man was taken to Chatswood Police Station, where he was charged with demand property in company with menaces with intent to steal, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm, participate criminal group contribute criminal, and contravene non-association, place restriction.

The man was refused bail and appeared at Parramatta Local Court yesterday – Wednesday – where he was formally refused bail to appear at Blacktown Local Court on Monday 7 June 2021.

A 29-year-old North St Marys man was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station, where he was charged with demand property in company with menaces with intent to steal, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm, participate criminal group contribute criminal, and two counts of possess prohibited drug. The man was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today – Thursday.

Following the search warrant at Raymond Terrace, police also arrested a 23-year-old man. He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was charged with handle explosive/precursor without authorising licence, possess unauthorised pistol, and possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit.

The man was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 21 June 2021.

Investigations are continuing.

Strike Force Raptor was set-up in 2009, before becoming a standalone squad in 2021.

Raptor Squad conducts proactive investigations and intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and disrupt conflicts, and dismantle any network engaged in serious organised criminal activity. Anyone with information, including relevant photos and videos, that may assist the Raptor Squad can report it directly to investigators via their online reporting page: https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/Default.aspx?id=49 or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Police stress information provided to investigators will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

If you are already a Hawkesbury Post supporter, thank you!

Our site is free, relying on our supporters to operate. Independent journalism is more important than ever, please consider contributing.

Click here to see how

Don’t pay so you can read it. Pay so everybody can read it!