National

Police operation nabs alleged bikie gang leaders

By AAP Newswire

Mar 31, 2023

Mongols bikie Nick 'The Knife' Forbes — Police arrested the Mongols' alleged national president, Nick "The Knife" Forbes, at Darwin airport. -AAP Image

The Mongols outlaw motorcycle gang has been dealt a major blow in the Northern Territory, with key members including its alleged national and local presidents and the sergeant at arms arrested as part of an 18-month operation.

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NT police have arrested 40 alleged Mongols members and associates as part of Operation Morley, with 140 offences submitted including commercial drug supply, extortion, conspiring to pervert justice, recklessly endanger serious harm, aggravated assault and unlawful use of motor vehicles.

The gang's national run last year from Alice Springs to Darwin had allowed police to gather information, intelligence and evidence, Detective Superintendent Lee Morgan said.

He said police arrested the Mongols' alleged Gold Coast-based national president, Nick "The Knife" Forbes, at Darwin airport in October.

Police also seized 34 firearms, half a million dollars in cash and a small amount of illicit drugs as part of Operation Morley.

Det Supt Morgan said while the Mongols had been the operation's primary focus so far, police would turn their attention to other motorcycle gangs for the next 18 months.

While he declined to expand on strategies used, Det Supt Morgan said police would target gang members' neighbours, friends, families and associates.

"We'll use any opportunity to find a way in and make a difference in this space," he said.