Two bikie bosses have been arrested and charged over alleged money laundering this week as a result of a series of raids by gang crime detectives.
WA Police have been investigating alleged money laundering at both the Hells Angels and Gypsy Jokers and this week charged Benjamin Bernhardt, the alleged bikie boss of the Hells Angels with property laundering.
Bikie bosses charged.Credit: WA Police
The 52-year-old from Piara Waters was also charged with ‘failed Within 7 Days, to Give the Commissioner Notice of a New Address’.
A second man, believed to be Bernhardt’s 18-year-old son, also called Benjamin, was arrested on the same day and charged with property laundering and drugs possession.
Both men are due to appear before the Rockingham Magistrates Court on 27 December 2024.
Separately, after six simultaneous raids on bikie homes across Perth back in March, as well as the Gypsy Jokers’ Maddington clubhouse, the head of the Jokers was also arrested on Thursday.
The 35-year-old Stoneville man has been charged with one count of property Laundering and is due to appear before the Midland Magistrates Court on 3 January 2024.
During the raids approximately $460,000 in cash was seized from a home in Mount Helena.
Officer in Charge of the Gang Crime Squad, Detective Senior Sergeant Anthony Thompson said property laundering funded “future criminal ventures” of bikie gangs in WA.
“Criminal activities, including illicit drug and firearm manufacturing and importation, bring significant harm to our community,” he said.
“Luxury items are no use in prison. We are watching at all times and OMCG members at all levels can expect our continued focus; any unlawfully obtained property or cash will be subject to seizure.
“WA Police will continue to concentrate investigations into senior office bearers of outlaw motorcycle gangs.”
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