Bikie Gang Allegations Surface in CFMEU Inquiry Over Brisbane Incident

An ongoing inquiry into the CFMEU has revealed disturbing allegations involving men tied to the Comancheros bikie gang, who reportedly confronted a construction worker at the Centenary Bridge site in Brisbane.

On June 5, 2024, three individuals with links to the gang—Bemir Saracevic, Krstomir Bjelogrlic, and Mark Ahern—arrived in Brisbane around 11:20 AM. Shortly after their arrival, they allegedly threatened Cody Raymond, a crane operator and CFMEU delegate, during a tense exchange.

During the inquiry, Senior Counsel Eddy Gisonda KC indicated that security personnel at the construction site had been communicating with Saracevic and senior management at contractor BMD prior to the confrontation. This raised questions about whether security operator Gary Samuel had facilitated the gang's arrival at the site.

Raymond described the encounter, stating that one of the men, dressed in black, confronted him with aggressive language, asking, "Why the f*** are you threatening my men?" He reported that the aggressor identified himself as "Benji, from the Commos" and made threats against him and his family.

In response to these claims, BMD General Manager Rob Pickard denied any prior knowledge of the incident or the gang's visit. He acknowledged that Raymond had approached him afterward, expressing concerns about being accosted by a gang member, but he could not recall specific details from earlier communications with Samuel.

Despite CCTV evidence suggesting Pickard was present near the confrontation, he maintained that he was unaware of any impending threats. The inquiry is set to continue, with additional testimony from BMD leaders expected as investigators delve deeper into the incident.

Source: www.abc.net.au