Police have warned people to be
vigilant about identity theft after Taskforce Maxima raids uncovered a
network stretching across two states on Wednesday.
Officers executed 18 search warrants
across Queensland and New South Wales as part of Operation North Outfield,
arresting and charging 16 people with 232 offences.
Police will allege the network and
individuals involved were linked to the Hells Angels and Nomads outlaw
motorcycle gangs.
The 12-month operation
uncovered alleged stolen property including three laptops, passports,
a camera and a Hudson motorcycle racing engine which was believed to
have been purchased using stolen credit cards.
Taskforce Maxima Detective Inspector
Phillip Stevens said stolen identity, especially credit cards, was "an
industry" and "an economy in itself".
"You've got to be vigilant in
relation to your identity, it's so easy to be stolen," he said.
"If you're using your credit
card, don't just hand it over like in restaurants where it can be double
swiped, make sure it's in your possession.
"These guys are stealing credit
cards from letter boxes, there are sites on the dark web where you can pay to
get credit card details."
Police said the searches also
uncovered uncovered cannabis, ecstasy, methylamphetamine, steroids, cash,
ammunition and mobile phones.
The charges laid included trafficking,
supplying, producing and possessing a dangerous drug as well as fraud and
possessing explosives.
"We have shut down what we
believe is a major drug trafficking and identity theft syndicate operating
throughout the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales, this is
a significant win for us and the community," Inspector Stevens said.
"If you associate with outlaw
motorcycle gangs, you will come to the attention of Taskforce Maxima and you
will be dealt with as (Wednesday's) results demonstrate."
Police believe Wednesday's
discoveries will put "a significant hole" in drug supply leading
up to Schoolies.
Those arrested will appear in the Brisbane,
Southport and Beenleigh court in the coming weeks.
Source:
Courier Mail 10-11-16
