Former Comancheros leaders confronted a crane operator at Brisbane bridge project

A commission investigating the construction sector examined evidence that three Melbourne residents linked to the Comancheros outlaw bikie gang traveled to Brisbane on June 5, 2024. Records indicate Bemir Saracevic, formerly the gang’s national president, Krstomir Bjelogrlic, his business partner, and Mark Ahern, a former treasurer, arrived at about 11.20 am and later visited the Centenary Bridge upgrade site. A crane operator, identified as Cody Raymond, recounted being confronted by the men around 12.30 pm, hearing threats and profanity, including a claim of gang identity.

Security operator Gary Samuel, who ran the site’s security firm HOST, was in constant communication with contractor BMD senior staff and his phone pinged near Brisbane Airport at 11.50 am, matching the gang members’ data pings. BMD’s general manager Rob Pickard said he was unaware of the confrontation beforehand and could not recall discussions with Samuel, while CCTV placed him near the men shortly before the incident. The inquiry will continue with additional BMD executives slated to testify.