THEY’RE CRIMS: POLICE
POLICE are adamant Satudarah is made up of violent criminals who are involved in the drug trade and quick to get physical.
Claims Satudarah is merely a motorcycle enthusiasts’ group are scoffed at by police, with sources saying the gang would likely have more members in prison than on the streets.
It is a claim even the gang’s Gold Coast president acknowledges, telling the Bulletin there were bad eggs in any group and even saying it had a large following in Queensland’s prison system. One source told the Bulletin they’d heard the claim members were just motorcycle enthusiasts for as long as they’d been a cop.
“Ha. Look, if these people were just going about their lives riding Harleys then we wouldn’t even know their names,” the source said.
“But I don’t think we have things like a gang squad and Taskforce Maxima just for a laugh,” Another said Satudarah was allegedly tied up in drug and violent crime, but not at the high end of offending. “Look, we’re not talking masterminds. “They’re not making millions of dollars.
“It’s drug crime, assaults, it’s certainly not drug importation on a high level,” the source said. “There is a lot of recruiting in the jails for Satudarah, because that’s where a lot of them are.
“They are linked to violent crimes – (but) we’re not seeing anything like they’ve been involved in overseas, yet.”
Detective Inspector Glenn Donaldson of the Major and Organised Crime Squad said police would be unrelenting in targeting bikie clubs.
“We are very aware of the club in terms of the extent of its membership and its involvement in criminal activity,” Insp Donaldson said.
“This is evident by the high percentage of club members who are currently incarcerated or facing serious charges.
“Taskforce Maxima uses an intelligence-led proactive policing strategy to target all OMCGs including Satudarah and we will be unrelenting in our efforts to target them.”
He said claims about membership numbers and the strength of the club were hard to track, but police were aware of bikies hopping between gangs as they pleased.
“Membership numbers fluctuate in terms of each club and what we have seen is people don’t stay loyal to the same club like they used to.
“It’s very common for people to be in one club and then six months later be attached to another club.
“This highlights that their loyalty is not to the club, but to the benefits it can give to them as an individual.”
If you are aware of any criminal activity involving outlaw motorcycle gangs, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.