Strike Force Gildi, responsible for the raids, is investigating Comanchero bikie gang activities, with a particular focus on self-proclaimed boss Mr Buddle and his close associates.
“Whilst ever we believe that he is involved in crime that impacts on the state of NSW, we will continue to target him relentlessly,” Detective Superintendent Taylor said.
He said NSW and federal agencies had joined forces to “target him in every which way we can – financially, criminally and anything to do with and any untoward activity he is involved in or connected with”.
Mark Buddle, left, is wanted for questioning by police.
Organised crime figures go to extreme lengths to evade law enforcement, making use of legitimate businesses that often involve family members, Detective Superintendent Taylor said.
“These people can expect to be watched and we will continue to disrupt their activities and scrutinise their financial circumstances, so any illegitimate business interests are stopped.”
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Mr Taylor said police efforts, including the sensational Operation Ironside sting using the app An0m, targeting the Comancheros had yielded results, but the gang remained a “formidable” threat.
“Hence law enforcement have them near the height of priorities and they will remain that way until the Comancheros no longer remain an [outlaw motorcycle gang], until they are neutralised,” he said.
Mr Buddle has been based in Dubai since leaving Australia but recently fled to Iraq, according to Australian law enforcement, and is now believed to be on the move again.
He is one of the approximately 16 people on law enforcement’s Australian Priority Organisation Targets list, along with notorious drug kingpin Hakan Ayik, who was at the centre of the An0m sting.
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Source: | This article originally belongs to smh.com.au
