Officers from Taskforce Maxima arrested a 28-year-old Fortitude Valley man after extensive investigations into an alleged extortion complaint.
Police will allege an assault took place in the car park of a fast food outlet at Sunnybank in March 2011. It will be further alleged the assault was a consequence of an attempt by the offender and his accomplices to extort money from the victims approximately two weeks earlier.
It will also be alleged the complainants met with the offenders due to threats of violence and property damage and when the complainants indicated they did not have the money requested, the accused assaulted them, knocking one complainant to the ground rendering him unconscious. A second complainant was also allegedly assaulted.
One complainant required hospital treatment for his injuries and suffered memory loss as a result.
It will be alleged the accused in this matter was the President of the Centro Chapter of Bandidos Criminal Motorcycle Gang at the time of the assaults. He has been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm in company and common assault.
Both victims initially declined to make formal complaints due to fear of retribution against them and their families by the defendant and his associates.
The complainants recently came forward after seeing recent media coverage relating to other unrelated extortion demands involving the Bandidos Criminal Motor Cycle Gang and the accused in this matter.
Detective Inspector Brendan Smith from Taskforce Maxima said historically, members of the community had been relucent to come forward due to the intimidation by gang members.
“The new legislation, combined with enforcement has assisted in removing this intimidation from both complainants and witnesses, by removing the gang’s ability use their numbers to influence the complainant and witnesses versions,” Detective Inspector Smith said.
“This matter is a clear example of the bullying behaviour used by these gangs as part of their everyday business but more importantly, it shows the change in community attitude, as they are no longer afraid.
The new legislation has empowered people to stand up and put a stop to the unlawful behaviour of these gangs.”
Investigations are continuing.
The man is due to appear at the Brisbane Magistrates Court later today.
