Former national president of the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang, Mark Buddle, is facing serious new allegations that he orchestrated criminal activities from inside one of Victoria's most secure prisons.
Allegations of Prison-Based Orchestration
Victoria Police's anti-bikie Echo Taskforce has charged the 38-year-old with directing the activities of a criminal organisation. Detectives allege that while incarcerated at Barwon Prison near Geelong, Buddle used encrypted communication devices to organise and direct his associates on the outside.
The investigation, which began in late 2023, culminated in a series of raids across Melbourne's north-western suburbs on Tuesday, 7 May 2024. Police executed search warrants at properties in Taylors Hill, Hillside, and Caroline Springs. During these operations, law enforcement seized a significant amount of evidence, including mobile phones, electronic storage devices, and a substantial quantity of cash.
The Raids and Evidence
The police operation was a direct response to intelligence suggesting that Buddle was maintaining active control over criminal enterprises from his prison cell. The use of encrypted phones is a key part of the allegations, highlighting the ongoing challenge authorities face in preventing inmates from continuing their illegal operations.
A 35-year-old man from Taylors Hill was arrested during the raids and has been charged with participating in the activities of a criminal organisation. Both he and Buddle faced Melbourne Magistrates' Court via video link on Wednesday, 8 May 2024. The court proceedings were held in a special high-security chamber, underscoring the sensitivity of the case.
Buddle, who has been in custody since his extradition from Turkey in 2022 on separate murder conspiracy charges, did not apply for bail. His co-accused was also remanded in custody. Both men are scheduled to return to court at a later date for a committal mention.
Ongoing Legal Battles and Gang Tensions
These new charges add another layer to Mark Buddle's complex legal woes. He was extradited to Australia to face allegations he conspired to murder a senior member of a rival gang, the Hells Angels. That case is still progressing through the courts.
The recent police action demonstrates the continued focus of the Echo Taskforce on disrupting the highest levels of bikie gang leadership, regardless of their physical location. Authorities are determined to prove that prison walls do not provide immunity from prosecution for ongoing criminal direction.
The allegations also shed light on the persistent and sophisticated methods employed by organised crime figures to bypass prison security systems. The case is expected to involve detailed analysis of digital evidence retrieved from the seized devices.
As the legal process continues, the charges against Buddle signal a firm stance from law enforcement that they will pursue anyone believed to be running criminal networks, whether they are on the street or behind bars.
