An investigation into a feud between two Auckland gangs which boiled over into a shooting at the Sofitel and a firebombing attack has concluded, with 19 people now facing a raft of serious charges.
The war between the Mongols and Head Hunters erupted around Easter Weekend with the firebombing of a business in Silverdale, north of Auckland.
The alleged attempted arson of Northside Powersports in Forge Rd, linked to a senior member of the Mongols on the North Shore, is believed to have been retribution from the local Head Hunters, who were unhappy with the use of the name “Northside”, it is understood.
A car was torched, but the garage and office escaped destruction.
Just over a week later the dispute reached central Auckland, with a dramatic daytime shooting in the lobby of the five-star Sofitel Viaduct Harbour.
Several shots were fired but no one was injured. The culprit spent weeks on the run.
Auckland detectives launched a large-scale investigation involving lengthy manhunts and officers from across Tamaki Makaurau, Northland and the National Organised Crime Group.
They targeted Head Hunters gang pads in Mt Wellington and Browns Bay and Mongols-linked premises in Silverdale and Murrays Bay.
Detective Inspector Kevin McNaughton, of the Waitematā CIB, said 19 people had now been arrested when announcing the conclusion of the operation on Tuesday.
McNaughton said seven of those are members or associates of the Mongols, a notorious outlaw motorcycle club headquartered in California, whose Kiwi presence has grown with the arrival of 501 deportees from Australia.
They face charges including participating in an organised crime group, committing a dangerous act with a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, arson, possessing firearms and explosives, plus offences related to drug dealing.
Six Head Hunters members have been charged with a similar range of firearms, organised crime and drug offences.
Another six people linked to the Head Hunters face charges of assisting a wanted man who was on the run after the Sofitel shooting.
The latest arrest happened last week.
“Police will not tolerate gun violence and serious gang offending in our community,” McNaughton said.
“This was a complex investigation involving a large number of offenders and I want to acknowledge the dedication by our staff, who have been committed to identifying and apprehending everyone allegedly involved in these series of incidents.
“Gun violence has no place in our society and we hope the conclusion of this operation reassures the public that dangerous and serious criminal acts by gangs will not be tolerated by police.”
