In a dramatic series of events, the New South Wales Police Raptor Squad executed multiple raids across the Illawarra region on Friday, October 24, leading to the arrest of two men linked to the Bandidos bikie gang. The operation follows a violent brawl outside a Wollongong nightclub that left one man hospitalized with severe injuries.
The altercation, which took place on October 11 outside Pepe’s on the Beach, involved two groups, with several participants identified as associates of the notorious outlaw motorcycle gang. The brawl resulted in one individual suffering a broken jaw and a fractured eye socket, necessitating urgent medical attention at Wollongong Hospital.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigations
Early on Friday morning, Raptor Squad officers conducted four simultaneous raids, arresting a 30-year-old man in Wollongong and a 22-year-old man at a residence on Princes Highway at the base of Bulli Pass. Witnesses described the scene as heavily armed officers, clad in helmets and balaclavas, stormed the property, leaving neighbors in shock.
One onlooker, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted the surreal experience: “We were watching, going ‘what the f—‘s going on?’. They [police] had balaclavas on, and they were walking through the house. There was a bunch of cops out the front and people with cameras.”
Meanwhile, police have released CCTV images of five other men who may have information pertinent to the investigation. The search for these individuals is ongoing as authorities work to piece together the full extent of the incident.
Evidence Collection and Additional Operations
During the raid, officers meticulously gathered evidence from the single-level property, including clothing and shoes, some bearing the silver fern insignia from New Zealand. These items were carefully documented and removed in evidence bags.
Police also examined vehicles on the premises, including a black Ford Raptor ute, which was subsequently taken away for further inspection. However, a Ford Mustang and a motorbike found in the garage were not seized.
In a related operation, Raptor Squad officers conducted a roadside stop on the M1 Princes Motorway at Unanderra, where two male motorbike riders were pulled over. A witness observed police engaging with the riders, with both a highway patrol car and an unmarked vehicle present at the scene.
Legal Proceedings and Broader Implications
The men arrested in connection with the brawl have been charged with affray and granted conditional bail. They are scheduled to appear in Wollongong Local Court on December 9. The arrests underscore the Raptor Squad’s ongoing commitment to targeting outlaw motorcycle gang members and their associates involved in serious violent crime.
During the last two years, Raptor Squad South officers have arrested more than 600 alleged offenders and laid over 1450 charges.
The recent raids highlight the persistent efforts of law enforcement to dismantle organized crime networks within the region. As the investigation continues, the community remains on alert, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the impact of these operations on the Bandidos and similar groups will be closely monitored. The outcome could set a precedent for future law enforcement strategies against organized crime in Australia.
