- Sources say Gold Coast’s Glitter Strip has seen a ‘rapid growth’ in gangs
- Former bikies and associates of Muslim youth feeder gangs make up 269
- It was allegedly first formed after groups of men ‘proved themselves’ in jail
- Men have apparently converted to Islam to link with high-profile hoodlums
Gold Coast’s Glitter Strip has reportedly become home to new street gang, 269—a collective of ex-bikies and middle-eastern organised crime associates.
The young clan, believed to be about eight months old, is allegedly made up of high-profile former bikies and associates of Muslim youth feeder gangs, including Ummah United, the Gold Coast Bulletin reports.
Sources revealed the gang first emerged when a group of ‘brothers’ ‘proved themselves’ while in jail.
‘They recruit like any other gang,’ a bikie source told the publication.
Gold Coast’s Glitter Strip has reportedly become home to new street gang, 269—a collective of ex-bikies and middle-eastern organised crime associates (STOCK IMAGE)
‘They want people who have made a name for themselves in jail. You prove yourself inside by showing you’re a good guy, that you’ll back someone or that you can fight.’
The formation comes amid speculation many men have begun converting to Islam in order to make links with high-profile hoodlums in such gangs.
Apparently the group doesn’t physically ‘run’ together on the street, rather they have an understanding that if ‘backup’ is required, ‘they’re there’.
‘There is no president, no secretary or that kind of thing. They’re all in it together.’
Senior police had been monitoring the gang and believed they were ‘capable of serious criminal activity’.
They also seized jewellery in a series of property raids that was believed to have been 269’s.
A separate source allegedly said the growth of gangs in the area was ‘rapid’ and ‘sidewinder’ groups like 269 were continuing to grow in strength.
Multiple brawls within Brisbane jail walls were also speculated to have been linked with the new clan.
Senior police had been monitoring the gang and believed they were ‘capable of serious criminal activity’. Gold Coast Glitter Strip pictured above