The president of the Rebels motorcycle club has rejected police claims the organisation is a front for criminal activity, saying their only offences are minor traffic infringements.
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Veteran Rebels leader Alex Vella held a press conference on Saturday at the club headquarters in Bringelly to return fire over the multi-agency Attero Taskforce that earlier this week announced more than 500 charges and 300 arrests for club members.
"It's ridiculous," he said. "We are not a criminal organisation.
"You always have black sheep that think the club will not know about it but once we do they're out," he said.
Mr Vella said the Australian Crime Commission-led taskforce announcement was a PR stunt by the government and police.
He said of the 300 arrests only 78 Rebels had been charged.
"Police harass, intimidate and pursue us because we are an easy target. But all they ever have against us is traffic infringements like defects on helmets or handlebars," he said.
Rebel leaders, who flanked Mr Vella, said they were pushing back and speaking out due to unnecessary police attention and the constant negative portrayal of the club.
Mr Vella declined to comment about the current infighting of the Comancheros bikie club that led to Faalau Pisu being shot dead and another member John Devine shot two days later.
"Rebels are not shooting each other but we get all the attention. I speak only for my club and I say focus on criminals, not our group," he said.
The Rebels, one of Australia's biggest clubs with close to 1500 members nationally, were hosting an annual open day on Saturday that included a car show, tattoo competition and activities for kids.
"We are a family," Mr Vella said. "We encourage people to stay out of trouble, to get a job, to live their lives."
Comment was being sought from the Australian Crime Commission.
