Case Study 3

Outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCGs) have an active presence in all Australian States and Territories. They are a form of organised crime and have developed a strong presence in several illicit markets, particularly the illicit drug market. After a series of incidents involving OMCG members the then Queensland Government introduced a number of legislative changes designed to disrupt OMCGs and their business activities. These changes included introducing a regulatory regime for the tattoo industry, with which OMCGs had a close relationship and which it used for money laundering. The legislation was subsequently changed again to cover a broader range of offences and increased number of organised crime actors beyond OMCGs.

Q. Explain the main types of criminal activity engaged in by organised crime (10 marks)