article_snippet.sent: Police identify the Rebels as 'one of Australia's highest risk criminal threats' and say Mr Vellacontinues to to exert significant influence' over the group.
article_snippet.sent: The Rebels MC membership in Australia includes a significant number of individuals with criminal convictions,' a court document states. '
article_snippet.sent: Between January 20012 and June 2013, 718 Rebels MC members, nominees and associates were either reported or arrested in relation to 1211 charges for offences ranging from violence related offences (including serious assault, stalking, kidnapping and affray), firearms and weapons offences, drugs offences, and property, street and traffic offences. '
article_snippet.sent: Rebels MC members have used violence in a premeditated manner to discipline Rebels MC members who have been perceived to have breached Rebels MC rules, in disputes with other OMCGs, threaten law enforcement officers, intimidate court witnesses and extort businesses and individuals.'
article_snippet.sent: Wayne West wrote on Wednesday: 'I'd rather have a Rebels clubhouse in my street than a mosque...'
article_snippet.sent: Rebels MC presents a high threat to the Australian community,' the court documents state. '
article_snippet.sent: Rebels MC has demonstrated an ability to increase Rebels MC geographical influence, diversify across illicit drug markets and launder illicit profits. '
article_snippet.sent: The fact that Rebels MC members remain members despite criminal convictions including convictions obtained whilst members of the OMCG contradicts Alex Vella assertions Rebels MC does not condone criminal activity by Rebels MC members, and allow its members to remain members. '
article_snippet.sent: the Rebels has expanded from Australia to include international chapters in 20 other countries: Cambodia, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, England, Fiji, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Laos, Lebanon, Malta, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Thailand and the USA.