Detectives have arrested three people, including from Kilmore and Wallan, as part of an investigation into a kidnapping last month linked to the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.
The arrests on Thursday follow an incident on May 15 where a man was allegedly taken from his home in Craigieburn and seriously assaulted by several people.
He was subsequently left at the corner of Donnybrook and Brookeville Roads in Craigieburn, where people passing by located him and called emergency services.
Echo Taskforce detectives executed warrants this morning at residential addresses in Wallan, Kilmore and Craigieburn.
A 37-year-old Wallan man, believed to be a Rebels’ sergeant at arms, along with a 33-year-old Kilmore woman and a 16-year-old boy were arrested.
All three were interviewed by police and have been charged:
• The Wallan man has been charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment, armed robbery, intentionally cause injury, assault with weapon, prohibited persons carry firearm, possess firearm when firearm prohibition order applies, possess ammunition when firearm prohibition order applies, possess drug of dependence and handle stolen goods;
• The Kilmore woman has been charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment, armed robbery, intentionally cause injury, assault with weapon, possess ammunition, possess drug of dependence and handle stolen goods; and
• The teenage boy has been charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment, armed robbery, intentionally cause injury, assault with weapon and possess drug of dependence.
The two adults appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court this afternoon, while the teen will appear at a children’s court.
A 31-year-old Wallan woman and a 65-year-old Wallan man were also arrested on outstanding warrants and unrelated matters.
Detectives seized several items from the properties including drugs believed to be cannabis, methylamphetamine and LSD, ammunition, weapons including an extendable baton, stolen property including stolen number plates, and electronic devices.
The investigation remains ongoing.