Finks outlaw bikies charged following dangerous ride through Southbank

Victoria Police detectives have charged seven patched members of the Finks Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) following an incident where motorcycles were illegally driven along the footpath of Southbank Promenade last month.

On Wednesday, September 4, seven individuals associated with the OMCG were detained by detectives from the Echo Taskforce.

The arrests followed an incident which took place on Friday, August 9, at around 8pm, when a large group of riders, wearing Finks OMCG vests and insignia, entered Southbank Promenade by riding between permanent steel bollards onto the shared footpath area.

The group travelled in formation for about 350 metres along the promenade, weaving between pedestrians, street vendors, and buskers.

At the time of the incident, the area was crowded with pedestrians, including families and children, who had to move aside to avoid the group.

The group then parked their bikes and spoke with each other for around 10 minutes, before returning to the bikes and continuing to ride in formation for another 150 metres.

They then entered the Queensbridge St and left the area.

“This is completely unacceptable behaviour by an outlaw motorcycle gang — thinking they are above the law and putting innocent members of our community at risk during probably the busiest time of week to be along Southbank,” Detective Acting Inspector Ash Ryan said.

"It is seriously reckless conduct and a significant concern for Victoria Police and the Echo Taskforce. We have made it a priority to follow up every avenue of enquiry available to us and hold those responsible to account."

Many families, including children, elderly citizens, and patrons of nearby restaurants and bars were rightfully enjoying their Friday evening in Melbourne, only to be confronted by a contingent of motorbikes jeopardising their safety.

“We are not intimidated by outlaw motorcycle gangs, and we will not allow our community to be either.”

With assistance from the VIPER Taskforce and East Gippsland Crime Investigation Unit, 11 search warrants were executed early this morning at residential addresses in Clyde North, Safety Beach, Dallas, Wy Yung, Springvale, Mount Martha, Harkness, Rosebud, Keysborough as well as two clubhouses in Cranbourne West and Brunswick East.

The seven men were taken into custody and interviewed by investigators, including:

• A 32-year-old Safety Beach man, who police will allege is an office bearer
• A 44-year-old Dallas man, who police will allege is a World member
• A 27-year-old Wy Yung man
• A 34-year-old Springvale man, who police will allege is an office bearer
• A 34-year-old Mount Martha man, who police will allege is a national president
• A 41-year-old Rosebud man
• A 33-year-old Keysborough man
• They were all charged with reckless conduct endangering serious injury and drive/ride on path.
• The 41-year-old Rosebud man was also charged with possession of cannabis.

All were bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on November 21.

Police seized seven Harley Davidson motorcycles, a small amount of cannabis and Finks OMCG vests.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information on OMCG activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.