Assault weapons, luxury cars seized after bikies arrested

Military-grade automatic weapons were among a deadly arsenal seized from outlaw bikie gangs by Australian authorities last financial year.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) today released details of the 96 firearms confiscated by the National Anti-Gangs Squad (NAGS) after arresting 66 outlaw motorcycle gang members and associates.

The arsenal included military-grade automatic weapons, sawn-off shotguns, loaded handguns and firearm parts.

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AFP Detective Superintendent Anthony Conway said while some weapons were hidden in wall cavities or storage containers, investigators found others loaded and easily accessible in cars and homes, highlighting the risks posed to police and the public.

"Outlaw motorcycle gangs will use firearms to commit violent acts, as well as to intimidate rivals to protect their criminal interests.

"Even when they are targeting each other, their access to these weapons puts innocent people at risk," Conway said.

"They have callous disregard for the lives of others and that is why the NAGS teams are focused on seizing illicit firearms and disrupting their criminal businesses however we can."

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More than $2.3 million cash, luxury cars, motorbikes and gold bullion were among the suspected illicit assets were seized by NAGS in 2021-2022 to disrupt the financial base of gang-related crime.

The cars included a red 2019 Ferrari Italiana Piste valued at $900,000, a red 1974 Ferrari Dino 264GT worth $700,000 and a blue 2011 Ferrari 360 Spider valued at $130,000.

NAGS comprises members from the AFP, state and territory police forces and the Australian Taxation Office.