BN - AUSTRALIA'S crime watchdog is keeping tabs on six bikie gangs in Tasmania but it is not sharing any information about their weal...
INDEPENDENT senator Jacqui Lambie asked the Australian Crime Commission during a parliamentary hearing in May about organised crime levels in her home state, including the number of gangs, what property they owned and whether there are any links to terrorist organisations.
The ACC replied on Tuesday.
"The Australian Gangs Intelligence Centre records the presence of six outlaw motorcycle groups in Tasmania," it said.
"The ACC does not record information on property purchased by organised crime gangs."
The agency refused to provide information about individuals.
"The number of targets within jurisdictions is sensitive/classified as they involve ongoing operations and partner intelligence," it said.
Gang clubhouses are believed to operate across Tasmania, with groups including the Rebels, Satan's Riders, the Finks, the Outlaws, the Devil's Henchmen and the Black Uhlans.
Tasmanian and federal police in June conducted the state's largest crackdown on bikie gangs, raiding 30 properties, arresting 14 members and associates, and seizing drugs, cash and weapons.
It was announced after the raids that a federal police liaison officer will be based permanently in Tasmania.
In its parliamentary response on Tuesday, the ACC defended Australia's laws for prosecuting illegal bikie gang members.
More: http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/six-bikie-gangs-operating-in-tasmania-acc/story-e6frfku9-1227508226853
