Bikies charged over business extortion

Two alleged Rebel bikies and another man have been charged with extorting money from
a business near Newcastle.
Officers arrested the trio after stopping a car at Bennetts Green about 11.15am
(AEST) on Tuesday.
Police allege two of the men, aged 48 and 44, are members of the Rebels Outlaw
Motorcycle Gang.
They were taken into custody along with a 41-year-old man and charged with knowingly
dealing with the proceeds of crime, participating in criminal groups and demanding
money with menace.
"Today's arrests relate to investigations conducted by police into the alleged
extortion related offences involving a business near Newcastle," police said in a
statement.
Officers also raided four locations at Kahibah, Kitchener, Hamilton South, as well
as a clubhouse in Wickham, seizing hydroponic plants, cannabis leaf, as well as
crystal methamphetamine, prohibited articles, and relevant documents and clothing.
All three men have been refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday.
Police said the arrests follow an investigation into extortion-related offences in
the state's north.
Strike Force Crinan was established to investigate the alleged extortion of tattoo
shops in Port Stephens and surrounding areas by members of the Rebels OMCG.