A COMANCHERO bikie is one of four South Australian criminals being targeted in a national police operation to track down fugitives.
Mohammed Rahim Shawqy - who has been on the run for the past year after being charged with blackmail and aggravated assault offences - is among the 20 offenders being sought in Operation Roam.
Shawqy, 33, was one of the key players in the deadly bikie wars between the Comancheros, Hells Angels and New Boys that enveloped the city for several years until former gang leader Vince Focarelli was imprisoned in January last year.
The other three SA fugitives being sought as part of Operation Roam include alleged rapist Edward Charles Davies, alleged armed robber and police impersonator Scott Andrew Auwema and high-level drug trafficker Graham James Rockford.
Rockford, 63, is alleged to be one of the state's most significant cannabis traffickers. He has been arrested twice, in 2007 and in 2011, after being caught in possession of large quantities of hydroponically grown cannabis.
Assistant Commissioner (Crime) Paul Dickson said it was likely Shawqy was interstate, most likely hiding in Sydney where he has associates within the Comancheros gang.
Rockford may be hiding in Queensland where he has connections involved in the hydroponic cannabis trade.
"I think there is every likelihood these people have enlisted the assistance of friends and associates to shelter them,'' he said.
"With Graham Rockford, our intelligence is telling us he has gone to Queensland and is living around Surfers Paradise.
"We believe the name he is using today is Graham Benson, but that might change tomorrow. He is a person who is involved in growing and trafficking of large quantities of cannabis and was involved in a coordinated syndicate that shifted the drug interstate.
"It is likely he is involved in the same type of thing in Queensland.''
Mr Dickson said three others involved in the violent incidents relating to Shawqy's charges had already pleaded guilty in court are were currently awaiting sentence.
"It is likely someone, somewhere may have an idea of where these four men are living or what kind of vehicles they are driving. We need to hear from them," he said.
Deputy chairman of Crimestoppers Australia Peter Price said many of those sought under Operation Roam had arrest warrants current in several states.
"These people have committed serious crimes and we need the public to help us locate them before any further harm is done,'' he said.
"Crimestoppers is asking every member of the public to look out for these people, but not to apprehend or approach them.''
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/national-news/south-australia/police-launch-operation-to-track-down-20-of-australia8217s-fugitives/story-fnii5yv4-1226691719914#ixzz2b6p2m3he
Mohammed Rahim Shawqy - who has been on the run for the past year after being charged with blackmail and aggravated assault offences - is among the 20 offenders being sought in Operation Roam.
Shawqy, 33, was one of the key players in the deadly bikie wars between the Comancheros, Hells Angels and New Boys that enveloped the city for several years until former gang leader Vince Focarelli was imprisoned in January last year.
The other three SA fugitives being sought as part of Operation Roam include alleged rapist Edward Charles Davies, alleged armed robber and police impersonator Scott Andrew Auwema and high-level drug trafficker Graham James Rockford.
Rockford, 63, is alleged to be one of the state's most significant cannabis traffickers. He has been arrested twice, in 2007 and in 2011, after being caught in possession of large quantities of hydroponically grown cannabis.
Assistant Commissioner (Crime) Paul Dickson said it was likely Shawqy was interstate, most likely hiding in Sydney where he has associates within the Comancheros gang.
Rockford may be hiding in Queensland where he has connections involved in the hydroponic cannabis trade.
"I think there is every likelihood these people have enlisted the assistance of friends and associates to shelter them,'' he said.
"With Graham Rockford, our intelligence is telling us he has gone to Queensland and is living around Surfers Paradise.
"We believe the name he is using today is Graham Benson, but that might change tomorrow. He is a person who is involved in growing and trafficking of large quantities of cannabis and was involved in a coordinated syndicate that shifted the drug interstate.
"It is likely he is involved in the same type of thing in Queensland.''
Mr Dickson said three others involved in the violent incidents relating to Shawqy's charges had already pleaded guilty in court are were currently awaiting sentence.
"It is likely someone, somewhere may have an idea of where these four men are living or what kind of vehicles they are driving. We need to hear from them," he said.
Deputy chairman of Crimestoppers Australia Peter Price said many of those sought under Operation Roam had arrest warrants current in several states.
"These people have committed serious crimes and we need the public to help us locate them before any further harm is done,'' he said.
"Crimestoppers is asking every member of the public to look out for these people, but not to apprehend or approach them.''
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/national-news/south-australia/police-launch-operation-to-track-down-20-of-australia8217s-fugitives/story-fnii5yv4-1226691719914#ixzz2b6p2m3he