A MOTORCYCLE dealership in Frankston was raided by police last week and two men are expected to face court in Sydney next month as part of an investigation into motorcycle rebirthing.
Strike force detectives from the New South Wales Property Crime Squad executed two search warrants at Braaap stores in Frankston and Launceston last Wednesday (27 July).
Police seized a punch stamp set, compliance labels, computers and documentation.
A 33-year-old man was arrested at the Launceston business and charged with four counts of fraud including dealing in proceeds of crime.
He appeared at Launceston Magistrates Court, where he was granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday 18 August.
Detectives arrested a 29-year-old man on Thursday 28 July who was charged with four counts of fraud.
He appeared at Melbourne Magistrates Court, where he was granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday 18 August.
Police allege the men were involved in the sale of up to 85 rebirthed motorcycles across Australia, including 35 sold in NSW.
After the arrests, a further search warrant was executed at a business at Tullamarine where strike force detectives seized documents.
Property Crime squad commander, Detective Superintendent Murray Chapman, said vehicle rebirthing is a serious crime and potentially puts unsafe vehicles back on the road.
“NSW Police Force conducts regular investigations into organised vehicle theft and rebirthing to combat illegal activities, where industry lose out and the vehicles put the lives of innocent road users at risk.
“We will continue to work closely with law enforcement colleagues across Australia, and other agencies, to ensure offenders are identified and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
Det Supt Chapman congratulated Strike Force Ologhlen detectives and their interstate counterparts – including Victoria Police, Tasmania Police and Australian Border Force – for their collaborative efforts.
“This was an extensive and complex investigation, and all police involved have done an outstanding job,” he said.
“Their efforts have dismantled what we believe was a sophisticated and carefully-orchestrated motorcycle rebirthing syndicate, and we’re confident it has now been stopped in its tracks.
“As always, we would like to thank the community for their support and continue to encourage anyone with information concerning motorcycle or vehicle rebirthing to contact Crime Stoppers.
“If you want to, you can contact us anonymously. We don’t need to know who you are. All we need is the information you have,” Det Supt Chapman said.
The investigation by Strike Force Ologhlen continues.
Anyone with information about motorcycle rebirthing should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the online Crime Stoppers reporting page at crimestoppers.com.au
1 Comment
Not surprised really…have you seen the types that hang around this shop (Frankston) They look like they should all be locked up…real rough dodgy looking characters.