The past year has seen investigators bust some big Illawarra players they allege were a part of outlaw motorcycle gangs and drug crimes.
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Notably, Operation Ironside, a sting set up to clamp down on organised criminals, is the largest in the Australian Federal Police's 40-year history and 340 people arrested have been charged with 1011 offences, including at least six men in the Illawarra.
Officers seized more than 6.3 tonnes of drugs and 141 weapons as part of the operation, which involved an encryption app called AN0M.
Unbeknownst to the gangland figures who were using it, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation and the AFP could read messages sent on AN0M.
Emmanuel Vamvoukakis was one of the big scalps but not all the alleged bikies arrested this year were connected to Operation Ironside. Here's a list of the Illawarra's alleged bikies who have been charged.
Emmanuel Vamvoukakis
An alleged high-ranking member of an outlaw motorcycle gang has been refused bail after federal agents claim they thwarted the Mount Keira man's plot to import one kilogram of cocaine into Australia from Greece following discussions on encrypted communications devices.
Accused Comanchero sergeant-at-arms Emmanuel Vamvoukakis, 40, was arrested at his home on June 6 where officers allegedly seized $10,000 in cash, a money-counter and Comanchero OMCG colours.
Australian Federal Police officers claim to have captured a series of messages between Vamvoukakis and an Australian associate living in Greece, between April 10 and June 6, in which the men allegedly conspired to import a kilogram of cocaine via the Australian postal system in olive oil tins.
Meanwhile, agents also arrested Horsley Luke Andreou, who was charged with weapons and proceeds of crime offence, and Figtree's Elias Elchaar as part of Operation Ironside.
Their cases all remain before the court.
Matthew Douet, Samiu and Siaosi Tukuafu
Three alleged Comanchero bikies were charged in September with supplying $1.2 million worth of cocaine as part of their efforts to establish an organised crime network in the region.
Alleged South Coast chapter secretary Matthew Douet and gang associate brothers Samiu and Siaosi Tukuafu were arrested following raids at two homes in Albion Park and Dapto as part of Operation Ironside.
Documents tendered to court said police were monitoring the men, along with Vamvoukakis between March 2020 and June 2021.
Police allege Douet established a "co-ordinated and extensive criminal network" and had direct control over the Tukuafu brothers and others.
The documents said Douet and Vamvoukakis were allegedly trying to strengthen the presence of the outlaw motorcycle club on the South Coast and to ensure the protection of its drug-running territory, with Douet saying to Vamvoukakis, "brother pls we need build up a solid crew here" in July 2020.
Police allege the gang was used to facilitate the supply and ongoing protection of Douet's criminal network in the supply of prohibited drugs, enforcement of drug distribution territory and public acts of violence including debt collections.
Their cases remain before the court.
Nick Nikolovski
An alleged Hells Angels bikie Nick Nikolovski, 41, was arrested on August 10 after Raptor Squad officers raided his Flinders home seizing ammunition, prohibited weapons, prescription medication, electronic devices and other items.
Police allege Nikolovski is a fully-patched Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle gang member and was taken into custody at his West Dapto workplace PrixCar Services before being charged with possessing ammunition without holding a licence or permit and possessing a prescribed restricted substance.
His case remains before the court.
Emmett Brown
A Port Kembla Rebels bikie confessed to repeatedly bashing, choking and threatening to kill his pregnant girlfriend during their "toxic" 10-month relationship.
Emmett Brown pleaded guilty to a host of domestic violence-related charges this month. The brutal, degrading and possessive behaviour towards the woman was detailed in court.
Brown remains behind bars and will face Wollongong District Court on February 2 for a sentencing date to be set.
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