International News
Bikers security shocked over religious leader visit
By NIGEL HUNT - Adelaide Now
Jul 26, 2008 - 9:47:45 AM

A NOTORIOUS South Australian bikie was a key member in the security detail for one of the world's most revered Christian figures during his recent visit to Adelaide, it has been revealed.

Police have investigated how the man – one of the key players in a deadly bikie shootout years ago – came to be a chauffeur during the two-day visit by the Patriarch of Lebanon, his eminence Cardinal Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir.

Cardinal Sfeir heads Lebanon's largest Christian body, the Maronite Catholic Church.

While in Adelaide en route to Sydney for Pope Benedict XVI's visit, Cardinal Sfeir attended a reception held in his honour by Premier Mike Rann, mass at St Francis Xavier Cathedral and a reception at the Maronite Community Hall at Westbourne Park.

Sources said police were not involved in security or other arrangements for Cardinal Sfeir's visit. Instead, they were handled by SA's honourary Lebanese consul, prominent businessman Les Nemer. When police learned of the man's role in Cardinal Sfeir's official party – after he was seen with the group – they were "dumbfounded".

Two detectives from the Crime Gangs Task Force were immediately sent to question him, but could not intervene. The man was driving his wife's black BMW while with the entourage.

It is understood while he provided a visible "security presence," his main role was chauffering several members of the Cardinal's party.

"Put it this way, you couldn't tell the difference between him and the Cardinal's guards," a police source said.

The man, who cannot be identified because he is currently before the courts on serious charges, was a senior member of a notorious major bikie gang before relentless pressure from SAPOL's anti-bikie unit resulted in him quitting the gang recently.

He was previously a key player in a brawl and fatal shootout with a rival bikie group.

In recent years the man has come to the attention of authorities conducting investigations into motorcycle gang members and their criminal activities.

SA police yesterday said they would not comment on "protective security matters" surrounding visiting dignitaries, or why the man had been spoken to by CGTF detectives.

"In this instance, the Cardinal's visit was conducted by his own arrangement, so any inquiries should be referred to him," police spokeswoman Roberta Heather said. Mr Nemer could not be contacted for comment because he was in Lebanon. Catholic Church spokesman Chris Rann said while the Church was involved with the Cardinal's Adelaide visit, it had no logistical role.

A Government spokesman said Cardinal Sfeir's visit to Adelaide was not as a guest of the Government.

"I understand that members of the Lebanese Maronite community hosted Cardinal Sfeir and facilitated transportation during his visit to Adelaide," the spokesman said. "This included transporting the Cardinal and his entourage in private vehicles.

"As with all visiting dignitaries South Australia Police (SAPOL) conducted an assessment of the risk environment surrounding the Cardinal's visit. As a result of that assessment, if required, SAPOL would have implemented any necessary security measures, even though the visit was not arranged by the State Government.

"I am advised by SAPOL that there was no evidence to suggest the entourage or local community were performing a security function".