Pair charged with conspiracy to murder as Rebels bikie investigation continues

INVESTIGATORS have charged two men, one in Newcastle, with a conspiracy to murder as part of an ongoing investigation into a chapter of Rebels bikies.

Homicide Squad detectives arrested two men, aged 25 and 29, at corrections centres in Newcastle and Goulburn on Tuesday. The pair were both charged with conspire and agree to murder. The charges stem from an investigation by Strike Force Raptor into the Burwood chapter of the Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang and their associates that began in November 2015.

A man, now 29, had previously been charged over the alleged conspiracy to murder Ricky Ciano, who died in Oberon in 2017. The latest arrests came following further investigations.

The two men charged on Tuesday will remain in custody until they face court in June. 

Homicide Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Scott Cook said the investigation was ongoing.

“The Homicide Squad is working side-by-side with Strike Force Raptor and pursuing a number of lines of inquiry relating to the chapter’s activities,” Detective Superintendent Cook said.

“This includes a strong focus on the links between groups, as well as those who associate with – and between – the groups.”

Police said a separate investigation specifically into Mr Ciano’s death is also continuing. 

“We are continuing to piece together his movements over the weekend, but based on the information we have gathered, the conspiracy is not related to his death,” Detective Superintendent Cook said.


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