The Rebels Motorcycle Club is an outlaw motorcycle club in Australia with around 70 chapters and 2,000+ members nationwide making it the largest club in the country. It was founded by Clint Jacks in Brisbane, Queensland in 1969 and was originally named the "Confederates". Their insignia is a Confederate flag with a cap-wearing skull and 1% patch in the centre. The Australian government and law enforcement consider the Rebels to be a criminal organisation but the club claims to be a group of motorcycle enthusiasts rather than gangsters. After the former National President, Maltese boxer Alex Vella, was stranded in Malta after a visit in 2014, it is presumed that Damien Vella, who was permitted to return to the country, took the role of National President. Its constitution states it is a non-profit organisation which promotes the riding of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Members are only permitted to join the club once and never to join another motorcycle club.
Criminal activities
In November 2000, police raided Rebels clubhouses in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia and seized drugs, firearms and even a crocodile. A number of people were arrested on charges relating to the items seized. Two Rebel associates were arrested for the murder of Bandidos member Ross Brand after their clubhouse was raided, on 16 November 2008. Brand was shot dead outside the Bandidos clubhouse in Breakwater, Victoria on 22 October. A series of raids across Australia ended in 27 members of the Rebels being arrested on a number of charges, on 23 April 2009. Drugs including methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine were seized as well as firearms, cash, stolen goods and stolen vehicles. Edin "Boz" Smajovic, a Bosnianrefugee and Rebels member, was shot dead at the Macarthur Auto Centre in Campbelltown, New South Wales. His funeral, which was held on 15 January 2009 at Auburn Gallipoli Mosque, was attended by over 300 Rebels, including National President Alex Vella. He was referred to as their 'little brother'. On 18 May 2009, Michael Paul Falzon was sentenced to ten years in prison for the trafficking of a dangerous drug, which he produced in Mackay, Rockhampton and Dalby and used the Rebels to transport and sell it throughout Queensland and South Australia. The drug ring operated from 1999 until 2003 and made at least $1.5 million. On 14 April 2012, Anthony Perish, his brother Andrew and Matthew Lawton were sentenced to eighteen, nine and fifteen years imprisonment for the homicide of convicted Sydney drug trafficker Terry Falconer, as well as firearms and drug dealing offences.
Overseas expansion
In January 2011 the New Zealand Police announced that the Rebels were attempting to set up a New Zealand chapter, and that this was not welcome. New Zealand has reportedly been deporting Australian Rebels members. Despite this, many members wearing Rebels patches have been spotted throughout the North Island of New Zealand and it is believed they now have a permanent presence in the country.
