Three men have been charged as part of a police crackdown on an alleged group of hoon motorcyclists performing stunts for social media.
Police laid charges against a 24-year-old Caroline Springs man, a 22-year-old Hillside man and a 23-year-old Tarneit man who is also a learner rider.
The group of riders has been under investigation after reports of dangerous driving on Melbourne’s freeways and roads over the last few months.
It is alleged the group rode in sync together, carrying out dangerous stunts while having a person film the acts from a nearby moving vehicle.
The investigation focused on a meet up on February 21, where three riders allegedly performed dangerous stunts on CityLink, between Port Melbourne and Pascoe Vale between 10.30pm and 11.30pm.
Prior to entering CityLink, police say the riders removed or concealed the registration plates on their motorbikes to avoid being identified.
The group allegedly rode at double the speed limit, up to 160km/h, weaved through traffic, performed ‘wheelies’ and used products on their feet that throw sparks into the air when coming into contact with the ground.
Multiple short videos, filmed by someone hanging out of a car window or a drone, were posted to social media accounts afterwards.
Police executed search warrants in early June in suburbs including Brookfield, Caroline Springs, Hillside and Tarneit.
Two motorbikes, multiple mobile phones, GoPros, computers storage devices and protective equipment were seized.
Police also located two imitation firearms and a small quantity of drugs.
The charges against the three riders included reckless conduct endangering life, obtaining financial advantage by deception and causing public nuisance.
The trio have been bailed to appear at court at a later date.
The investigation is ongoing and police are expecting to lay further charges on other people allegedly involved.
