VICTORIA Police internal "spy catchers" are set to investigate officers suspected of corrupt or improper relationships with outlaw motorcycle gangs in the Goulburn Valley.
But any moves by the anti-corruption Taskforce Eagle will not come as a surprise to likely targets.
Sources believe the taskforce plans to question at least one detective, other police and civilians over claims that local motorcycle gang members have been secretly tipped off about planned raids.
A former policeman has told the Herald Sun of suspicions over at least eight search warrants for properties linked to a bikie gang.
In each case, it appeared that weapons, drugs or other incriminating material had been removed from the premises before the police arrived with their search warrants. In one case, several mature cannabis plants vanished overnight.
It is believed most of the premises were linked to The Outlaws Motorcycle Club.The Outlaws have two chapters in the Goulburn Valley - one in Shepparton and one in nearby Kyabram.
Members of both groups are regulars at a raunchy strip venue, named Club Rawhide, in an industrial estate that's walking distance from Shepparton police station and two popular hotels.
It is believed angry police found hidden electronic "bugs" in one regional station this week, after a heated confrontation between officers over rumours of the impending internal investigation.
The Outlaws Motorcycle Club's Shepparton chapter.
The search for the "bugs" was sparked by leaked information about likely targets of the taskforce's inquiries.
Investigators are probing friendships between serving officers and disreputable people. One potential line of inquiry is that a police officer who has taken leave still has access to local police facilities.
Investigators are believed to be checking reports the officer has worried colleagues because of the officer's relationship with a local man recently charged with aggravated burglary and drug offences.
The Herald Sun does not suggest the officer has committed any offence.
Some police are concerned about the background of the officer's latest partner, whose father was expelled from the force and jailed for long-term corruption.
Since Taskforce Eagle was launched last month, investigators have arrested a serving officer for allegedly leaking documents to the Hells Angels. Victoria Police could not comment specifically on events in the Goulburn Valley.
"Through Taskforce Eagle, investigations into associations between police and OMCGs (outlaw motorcycle groups) are continuing," spokesman Charles Morton said.
Members of The Outlaws are regulars of local strip venue, Club Rawhide.
"We have a number of avenues of inquiry ... at this time."
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