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Bikie crackdown may just move problem: cop

The commander of Queensland's anti-bikie taskforce says it's possible the state's crackdown on motorcycle gangs may just move the problem elsewhere.

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Source: AAP


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The commander of Queensland's anti-bikie taskforce has conceded tough new laws may just move problems associated with criminal motorcycle gangs elsewhere.

Detective Inspector Mick Niland says while bikies are closing chapters in Queensland, it appears they are yet to establish new ones interstate.

However, the Taskforce Maxima commander can't guarantee the Sunshine State's bikie crackdown won't move the problem to other parts of Australia.

"Look, there is that possibility in that regard but we will continue in every endeavour to prosecute these criminal organisations and we obviously want to make it very uncomfortable in Queensland (for them)," he told AAP.

"We are actively targeting these criminal organisations and there has been some information that they are to set up chapters south of the border but we have no confirmed intelligence in that regard."

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NSW police are concerned Queensland bikies will flee south across the border and are working with Queensland police to stop the movement.

Det Insp Nilan said Queensland police also want to intercept criminal bikie gang members before they flee to NSW.

"We are working very closely with the anti-gang squad in NSW and their strike force Raptor to ensure wherever possible we can make inroads to prosecuting members, participants of these criminal organisations," he said.

Det Insp Nilan says his taskforce is also monitoring the Mongols, a US-based outlaw motorcycle gang which has reportedly begun invading Australia.

He says there is no evidence of US Mongols arriving in Queensland.

"We see it may have stalled somewhat because of the legislation," he said.

"We have the Mongols declared as a criminal organisation in Queensland so if they arrive they are already a criminal organisation."


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