Jump to content

Hells Angels: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
CmdrObot (talk | contribs)
339,230 edits
m Compact Amazon URL
Merge content from Hells Angels (UK)
Line 48: Line 48:


==Official Charters==
==Official Charters==
[[Image:Hells Angels Mural - Southampton.jpg|thumb|500px|A Hells Angels wall [[mural]] in Southampton, UK, a well-known local landmark that can be seen by rail passengers on the London Waterloo to Weymouth south coast main line as they approach Southampton Central station. Note the profusion of CCTV cameras and the Indian Chief head dress.]]


The HAMC acknowledges more than a hundred charters spread over 29 countries. The first official charter outside of the [[United States|U.S.]] was formed in [[New Zealand]] in [[1961]]. [[Europe]] would not become home to the Hells Angels until [[1969]], when two [[London]] charters were formed after the [[Beatles]] invited some of members of the HAMC San Francisco to London. Following the visit, they decided to create English charters of the club. Members of a local [[motorcycle club]] came to the United States to prospect with the Angels, after which the newly initiated members returned home to form the [[South London]] and [[East London, England|East London]] charters. These two charters would later merge in [[1973]] <ref>http://www.hellsangelslondon.com/history.php HAMC London Web Site</ref>. The 1980s and 1990s saw a major expansion of the club into [[Canada]].
The HAMC acknowledges more than a hundred charters spread over 29 countries. The first official charter outside of the [[United States|U.S.]] was formed in [[New Zealand]] in [[1961]]. [[Europe]] would not become home to the Hells Angels until [[1969]], when two [[London]] charters were formed after the [[Beatles]] invited some of members of the HAMC San Francisco to London. Two people from [[London]] visited [[California]], "prospected" first and joined. Two charters were issued on [[July 30]] [[1969]]; one for ‘’South London’’, the other for ‘’East London’’ but by 1973 the two charters came together as one, simply called ‘’London’’. The London Angels provided security at a number of [[United Kingdom Underground|UK Underground]] festivals including [[Phun City]] in [[1970]] organised by anarchist [[International Times]] writer and lead singer with the [[Deviants (band)|Deviants]] [[Mick Farren]]. They even awarded Farren an ‘’approval ‘patch’’’ also in 1970 for use on his first solo album ‘Mona’ which also featured [[Steve Peregrin Took]] (who was credited as ‘’Shagrat the Vagrant’’).
These two charters would later merge in [[1973]] <ref>http://www.hellsangelslondon.com/history.php HAMC London Web Site</ref>. The 1980s and 1990s saw a major expansion of the club into [[Canada]].


A list of acknowledged charters can be found on the HAMC club's official web site<ref>http://www.hells-angels.com/charters.htm</ref>.
A list of acknowledged charters can be found on the HAMC club's official web site<ref>http://www.hells-angels.com/charters.htm</ref>.
Line 221: Line 223:
===Official sites===
===Official sites===
* [http://www.hells-angels.com/ Official Hells Angels website] — listing many chartered local chapters, with links
* [http://www.hells-angels.com/ Official Hells Angels website] — listing many chartered local chapters, with links
* [http://www.hellsangelslondon.com/history.php Hells Angels MC London History]
* [http://www.hells-angels.com.br Brazilian Hells Angels] — Hells Angels chapters in Brazil
* [http://www.hells-angels.com.br Brazilian Hells Angels] — Hells Angels chapters in Brazil
* [http://www.bigredmachine.com/ Hells Angels NYC — main chapter]
* [http://www.bigredmachine.com/ Hells Angels NYC — main chapter]
Line 233: Line 236:
* [http://foia.fbi.gov/foiaindex/hellsang.htm FBI report on Hell's Angels] from the 1960s and 1970s.
* [http://foia.fbi.gov/foiaindex/hellsang.htm FBI report on Hell's Angels] from the 1960s and 1970s.
* [http://www.missoulian.com/specials/hellsangels/ha02.html Missoulian] — An article on how the Hells Angels were established.
* [http://www.missoulian.com/specials/hellsangels/ha02.html Missoulian] — An article on how the Hells Angels were established.
* [http://www.bulldog-bash.co.uk The Angel organised ‘’Bulldog Bash’’ &ndash; The Best Bike Show in the UK]


[[Category:Hells Angels| ]]
[[Category:Hells Angels]]
[[Category:Motorcycle clubs]]


[[af:Hells Angels]]
[[af:Hells Angels]]

Revision as of 02:49, 11 January 2008

For other uses, see the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.
Hells Angels New York City

The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club (HAMC) is a world-wide motorcycle club whose members traditionally ride Harley-Davidson motorcycles. In the United States, and Canada, the Hells Angels are incorporated as the Hells Angels Motorcycle Corporation. Members nickname themselves "one-percenters" in response to the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) claim that 99% of motorcyclists were law-abiding citizens, and the last one percent were outlaws.

Both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Criminal Intelligence Service Canada classify the Angels as one of the "big four" outlaw motorcycle gangs; contending that members carry out widespread violence, drug dealing, trafficking in stolen goods, and extortion.[1][2] The Hells Angels assert that this is a mischaracterization, and claim that they are a group of motorcycle enthusiasts who organize social events such as undertaking trips as a group, parties and motorcycle rallies.

History

Formed in 1948 in Fontana, California, the name "Hells Angels" was inspired by the name of the U.S. Air Force 303rd Bombardment Groups, a military unit formed in the early years of World War II. Some Hells Angels have attempted to dispel the myth that there is any connection, other than the name, between the HAMC and the historic military Hell's Angel. Their official website clarifies that the name was suggested to the founders of the club by a friend of theirs, Arvid Olsen, who was a member of the Flying Tigers squadron from the 303rd Group. No actual members of that squadron became members of the HAMC.[3]

Some of the early history of the HAMC is not clear, and accounts differ. According to Ralph 'Sonny' Barger, founder of the Oakland chapter, early chapters of the club were founded in San Francisco, Gardena, Fontana, and other places independently of one another, with the members usually being unaware that there were other Hells Angels clubs.

Other sources claim that the Hells Angels in San Francisco were originally organized in 1953 by Rocky Graves, a Hells Angel member from San Bernardino ("Berdoo"). This implies that the "Frisco" Hells Angels were very much aware of their forebears. Another account, according to the History Channel's documentary Hell's Angels,[4] they were a successor to "The Pissed-Off Bastards" Motorcycle club, which was largely responsible for the Hollister riot of 1947.[5] The "Frisco" Hells Angels were reorganized in 1955 with thirteen charter members; Frank Sadliek, who designed the current death's head logo, served as President.

The Hells Angels have shrouded themselves in a cloud of mystery and controversy, thanks to a very strict code of secrecy between members, which can be construed as a deliberate mythologizing by some members of the club. Members don't use last names, even with one another. They just use a first name, and, more often than not, only a nickname. Coupled with its colorful history and undeniable, confirmed links of some of its members to crime, speculation and rumour about the club's activities is rife.

The Hells Angels are depicted either as modern day legends, free spirited and iconic of an era of brotherhood and loyalty, or a violent criminal gang which is a scourge on society. Accordingly, public opinion, fuelled by the world media, varies from respect and hero worship, to fear and loathing.[6]

Insignia

File:HA One Percenter.jpg
'One Percenter' Patch for the Hells Angels
File:HA Haarlem01.jpg
'Haarlem' Chapter patch, with 'Hells Angels' designator

The Hells Angels official web site attributes the official "Deathshead" insignia design to Frank Sadliek, past president of the San Francisco Chapter. [3] It may be that he found the design on an existing artwork, but this is unverified. The colors and shape for the early-style jacket emblem (prior to 1953) was copied from the insignias of the 85th Fighter Squadron and the 552nd Medium Bomber Squadron.[3]

The Hells Angels utilize a patch system, similar to a military medal. The literal symbolic meaning of each patch is not publicly known, but it identifies specific or significant actions or beliefs of each biker[7]. The official colors of the Hells Angels are red lettering displayed on a white background, which is the derivation of the clubs alias as "The Red and White". These patches are worn on leather or denim jackets and vests, called 'cuts', so called due to the removal or 'cutting' of the collars and cuffs from the clothing item.

Red and white is also used to display the number 81, on many of their patches, such as "Support 81, Route 81". The 8 and 1 stand for their equivalent position in the alphabet, thus the 8th letter of the alphabet is H, and the first is A, together reading HA, Hells Angels.

Also, the 'One-percenter' patch, a rhombus shaped patch is used. It is labelled with '1%' and it displays a white background with red letters and a red merrowed border (refer to image at right, top). The patch, and subsequent term, was in response to the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) comment on the Hollister incident and their statement that 99% of motorcyclists were law-abiding citizens, and the last one percent were outlaws.

Most members wear a rectangular patch (again, white background with red letters and a red merrowed border) identifying their respective chapter locations. Another, similar designed patch reads "Hells Angels" (refer to image at right, lower).

When applicable, members of the club wear a patch denoting their position / rank within the organization. The patch is rectangular, and, similarly to the patches described above, displays a white background with red letters and a red merrowed border. Some examples of the titles used are President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Sergeant at Arms. This patch is usually worn above the 'club location' patch.

Some members also wear a patch with the initials "AFFA", which stands for "Angels Forever; Forever Angels", referring to the lifelong membership in the biker club (ie. "once a member, always a member").

The book Gangs, written by Tony Thompson (a crime correspondent for The Observer newspaper), states that Stephen Cunningham, a member of the Angels, sported a new patch after he recovered from attempting to set a bomb: two Nazi-style SS lightning bolts below the words 'Filthy Few'. Some law enforcement officials claim that the patch is only awarded to those who have, or are prepared to, commit murder on behalf of the club. According to a report from the R. v. Bonner and Lindsay case in 2005 (see related section below), another patch, similar to the 'Filthy Few' patch, is the 'Dequiallo' patch. This patch "signifies that the wearer has fought law enforcement on arrest".[8] There is no common convention as to where the patches are located on the members' jacket/vest.

Membership

According to the US Department of Justice, HAMC members must be men over 21 years of age and are required to own a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Individuals, after a lengthy, phased process, are first deemed to be a 'Hang-around', wherein an individual is invited to some club events or meets club members at known gathering places.

If the Hang-around is interested, they may be asked to become a member, being called an 'Associate', which usually lasts a year or two. After approximately another year, they are reclassified as 'Prospect', participating in some club activities, but not having voting privileges, while they are evaluated for suitability as full members. The last phase, and highest membership status, is 'Full Membership' or 'Full-Patch'.[9] The term Full-Patch refers to the complete three-piece crest, including the 'Deaths Head' logo and two rockers (top rocker: 'Hells Angels'; bottom rocker: Club location). Prospects are only allowed to wear a bottom rocker with the word 'Prospect'.

To become a full member, the Prospect must be voted on by the rest of the full club members. Prior to votes being cast, a Prospect usually travels to every chapter in their sponsoring chapter's geographic jurisdiction (state/province/territory), and introduces himself to every Full-Patch. This allows each voting member to become familiar with the subject, and ask any questions of concern prior to the vote. Successful admission usually requires more than a simple majority, and some clubs may reject a Prospect for a single dissenting vote. Some form of formal induction follows, wherein the Prospect affirms his loyalty to the club and its members. The final logo patch (bottom location rocker) is then awarded at this initiation ceremony. The step of attaining full membership can be referred to as "being patched".

Official Charters

File:Hells Angels Mural - Southampton.jpg
A Hells Angels wall mural in Southampton, UK, a well-known local landmark that can be seen by rail passengers on the London Waterloo to Weymouth south coast main line as they approach Southampton Central station. Note the profusion of CCTV cameras and the Indian Chief head dress.

The HAMC acknowledges more than a hundred charters spread over 29 countries. The first official charter outside of the U.S. was formed in New Zealand in 1961. Europe would not become home to the Hells Angels until 1969, when two London charters were formed after the Beatles invited some of members of the HAMC San Francisco to London. Two people from London visited California, "prospected" first and joined. Two charters were issued on July 30 1969; one for ‘’South London’’, the other for ‘’East London’’ but by 1973 the two charters came together as one, simply called ‘’London’’. The London Angels provided security at a number of UK Underground festivals including Phun City in 1970 organised by anarchist International Times writer and lead singer with the Deviants Mick Farren. They even awarded Farren an ‘’approval ‘patch’’’ also in 1970 for use on his first solo album ‘Mona’ which also featured Steve Peregrin Took (who was credited as ‘’Shagrat the Vagrant’’). 

 These two charters would later merge in 1973 [10].  The 1980s and 1990s saw a major expansion of the club into Canada.

A list of acknowledged charters can be found on the HAMC club's official web site[11].

Activities

The Hells Angels motorcycle club is often viewed as the epitome of the biker counterculture of the 1960s. The club is centered around a culture of motorcycling enthusiasts and on their web site, state the prerequisite that members' principal mode of transport has to be a motorcycle. The website continues to state that members travel on average 20,000 miles a year.[12] The club culture revolves around social events such as undertaking trips as a group, parties and rallies. Most chapters have information on upcoming and past events on their web sites.

The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club also undertakes a number of charitable activities, such as collecting toys for needy children.[13][14] Hells Angels also have periodic World Runs, where members from all over the world gather in one location.

Although the club denies any organised criminal activity on a club level, public perception of a lawless, violent organisation is often supported by widespread media coverage of club members' criminal activity. Canadian authors William Marsden and Julian Sher further accentuated this view in their book: Angels of Death: Inside the Bikers' Global Crime Empire

Criminal activities

United States United States

California California

Altamont

Perhaps the most notorious event in Hells Angels history involved the December 6, 1969, Altamont Free Concert at the Altamont Speedway — partially documented in the 1970 film Gimme Shelter[15] — featuring Jefferson Airplane, The Flying Burrito Brothers, and The Rolling Stones. The Grateful Dead were also scheduled to perform but canceled at the last minute owing to the ensuing circumstances at the venue. The Angels had been hired by The Rolling Stones as crowd security for a fee which was said to include $500 worth of beer. The Angels parked their motorcycles in front of the stage in order to create a buffer between the stage and the tens of thousands of concert goers.

Crowd management proved to be difficult: many spectators were injured and four died. Over the course of the day, the Hells Angels became increasingly agitated and violent. They had been drinking alcohol and taking drugs; and they may have been concerned at having to control such an enormous crowd[citation needed]. In addition, at least one witness stated that the group of Angels at the concert were relatively young and inexperienced and that "their leaders weren't there".

The Angels used sawed-off pool cues in order to control the crowd. After one of the Angels' motor bikes was knocked over, the Angels became even more aggressive, even toward the performers onstage. Marty Balin of Jefferson Airplane was knocked unconscious following an altercation with an Angel on stage as seen in the documentary film Gimme Shelter. The Grateful Dead refused to play following the Balin incident, and left the venue.

A shoving match erupted near the stage during a rendition of the song "Under My Thumb" (not, as is commonly thought, "Sympathy for the Devil"). A concert patron by the name of Meredith Hunter, after brandishing a handgun and charging the stage, was stabbed to death. Hunter fired his weapon, striking a Hells Angels member with what Sonny Barger later described as "just a flesh wound." A Hells Angel member, Alan Passaro, was later acquitted of murder on grounds of self-defense. After the concert and critical media attention given to the HAMC, Sonny Barger went on a local California radio station to justify the actions of the Hells Angels and to present their side of the story. He claimed that violence only started once the crowd began vandalizing the Hells Angels' motorcycles.[16]

Nevada Nevada

River Run Riot

The River Run Riot occurred on April 27, 2002, at the Harrah's Casino & Hotel in Laughlin, Nevada. Members of the Hells Angels and the Mongols motorcycle clubs stabbed and shot at each other on the casino floor; as a result, Mongol Anthony Barrera, 43, was stabbed to death, and two Hells Angels, Jeramie Bell, 27, and Robert Tumelty, 50, were shot to death. On February 23, 2007, Hells Angel members James Hannigan and Rodney Cox were sentenced to two years in prison. Cox and Hannigan were captured on videotape confronting members of the rival Mongols motorcycle club inside the casino. A Hells Angel member can be clearly seen on the casino security videotape performing a front kick on a Mongol biker member which in turn started the ensuing melee.

Attorneys for the group claim they were defending themselves from an attack initiated by the Mongols.

Charges were dismissed against 36 other Hells Angels originally named in the indictment. [17]

New York (state) New York

Roberta Shalaby assault

On Sunday, January 28, 2007, a woman named Roberta Shalaby was found badly beaten on the sidewalk outside the Hells Angels' clubhouse in New York City. The resulting investigation by the NYPD has been criticized by the group for its intensity. The police were refused access to the Hells Angels club-house and responded by closing off the area, setting up sniper positions, and sending in armored personnel carriers.[18] After obtaining a warrant, the police searched the club-house and arrested one Hells Angel who was later released. The group claims to have no connection with the beating of Roberta Shalaby. Five security cameras cover the entrance to the New York chapter's East 3rd Street club house, but the NY HAMC maintains nobody knows how Shalaby was beaten nearly to death at their front door. The members were later exonerated and the club is now suing the city of New York for damages to their clubhouse. [19]

Washington (state) Washington

Michael Walsh murder, racketeering

In 2001, Hell's Angels Rodney Lee Rollness and Joshua Binder murdered Michael "Santa" Walsh, who had allegedly falsely claimed to be a member of the Hell's Angels[20]. Paul Foster, hoping to join the Hell's Angels, aided in the murder by luring Walsh to a party at his house and helping cover up the crime[21]. West Coast leader Richard "Smilin' Rick" Fable, along with Rollness and Binder, were also convicted of various racketeering offenses[22].

Canada Canada

The Vancouver Sun newspaper reports that Canada has more Hells Angels members per capita than any other country, including the U.S., where there are chapters in about 20 states.[23]

The Hells Angels established their first Canadian chapters in the province of Quebec during the seventies. The Outlaws and several affiliated independent clubs were able to keep the Angels from assuming a dominant position in Ontario, Canada's most populous province, until the nineties, while the Grim Reapers of Alberta, Los Bravos in Manitoba and several other independent clubs across the prairies formed a loose alliance to keep the Hells Angels from assuming dominance in the prairie provinces until the late nineties. By 1997, under the leadership of Walter "Nurget" Stadnick, the Hells Angels had become the dominant club across Canada, with chapters in at least seven of ten provinces and two of the three territories.[24]

Lindsay & Bonner Trial

In 2002, Crown Prosecutor Graeme Williams sought to have the Hells Angels formally declared a "criminal organization" by applying the anti-gang legislation (Bill C-24)[25] to a criminal prosecution, involving the Hells Angels and two of its members, Stephen (Tiger) Lindsay and Raymond (Razor) Bonner.

The prosecution team launched a three year investigation with the aim of collecting evidence for the trial.

On conclusion of the trial in June 2005, Ontario Justice Michelle Fuerst ruled that Lindsay and Bonner had committed extortion in association with a criminal organization and used the Hells Angels’ reputation as a weapon.[26].[27]

Ontario Ontario

Downtown Toronto Hells Angels Clubhouse, Ontario

The downtown Toronto Hells Angels clubhouse, located at 498 Eastern Ave., was served with a restraining order from Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Attorney General of Canada, on March 14, 2007. The order restrains and manages the property under s. 14(3) and s. 14.1 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and s. 490.8 and s. 490.81 of the Criminal Code of Canada.[28] This order, posted on the torontofokus.com website eleven days before the raid, is an unprecedented revelation, according to a Toronto lawyer who once defended two Hells Angels members.[29]

On April 4, 2007, raids were executed by the Biker Enforcement Unit, the Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit, and the Toronto Police Services, where the downtown Hells Angels clubhouse at the 498 Eastern Ave. location was appropriated by police and many arrests were made. Police seized nearly 500 litres of GHB, more than nine kilograms of cocaine, and more than 80 weapons including rifles, shotguns, a police baton and three sets of brass knuckles. They also seized close to $1 million in vehicles and property and $500,000 in cash.[30] Police are currently planning a large crackdown on the Hells Angels in the Greater Toronto Area. More than twenty locations across the GTA are currently under strict surveillance.[31]

Project Tandem

A major bust of the Ontario Hells Angels, code-named Project Tandem, occurred in the early morning of September 28, 2006. One source is quoted as stating in a Toronto Star article titled "Police target Hells Angels Inc." that the operation was the most effective one ever initiated against the bikers.[32] In a related story, the CBC News service stated that Toronto hosts the highest concentration of Hells Angels in the world.[33] According to the police, during this bust, fifteen Hells Angels were arrested, and the following assets were seized: weapons, motor vehicles, and currency. As well as these alleged proceeds of crime,[34] police also seized controlled substances including: 13 kilograms of cocaine, 50,000 ecstasy pills, 23 kilograms of marijuana and about two kilograms each of hashish and crystal meth.[35]

Quebec Quebec

Maurice (aka Mom) was the alleged leader of the Quebec chapters and second-in-command of the Canadian Nomad chapter, a chapter with no fixed geographic base. He is currently in prison, having been convicted on two counts of first-degree murder. In May 2002, Maurice received an automatic life sentence, with no possibility of parole for at least 25 years.[36]

Hells Angels North Chapter

The now-defunct Hells Angels North Chapter was based in Laval, just north of Montréal. The group was formed on September 14, 1979, when members left the Montréal Chapter.

The North Chapter was infamous even amongst its counterparts for its reputation for violence, wild behaviour, and constant drug use. So much friction arose that the other Quebec Hells factions decided to liquidate the group. Members of the North Chapter were lured to a "church meeting", where they were killed, wrapped in sleeping bags, and dumped in the St. Lawrence River. Others were allowed to live and assimilated into the Montréal Chapter.[37]

British Columbia British Columbia

Project E-Pandora

In late 2004 to 2005, the culmination of investigations into the actions of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gang led to charges against 45 Hells Angels and other associates of the gang, including 17 full-patch Hells Angels members, and a chapter president.[38] One of the investigations which brought the majority of arrests, and created a significant media impact, was Project E-Pandora[39], a 23 month covert investigation. The investigative task force for Project E-Pandora was launched in August 2003, and involved the RCMP, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-BC) and the Vancouver Police Department.[40] The project concluded with 12 search warrants and the arrests of 17 and charges of 18 individuals.[39]

In total, investigators seized[39]:

1 - in excess of 20 kilograms of methamphetamine

2 - in excess of 20 kilograms of cocaine

3 - in excess of 70 kilograms of marijuana

4 - Restricted and Prohibited Weapons which include 5 Handguns, fully automatic weapons including silencers, 11 sticks of dynamite with detonation cord and blasting caps, 4 grenades and an assortment of ammunition

5 - in excess of $200,000 Canadian currency

6 - 250 kilograms of Methylamine (a precursor for the production of ecstasy)

7 - 2 methamphetamine laboratories

Due to the success of Project E-Pandora, based in large part on the tone and focus of news media stories, the province’s general public now make a direct connection between the motorbike gang and organized crime.[40]

Manitoba Manitoba

Almost all of Manitoba's Hells Angels have recently been arrested and charged with criminal offences. The following investigations over the last two years have been executed with the following charges.

Project Defense

On Wednesday, February 15th, 2006 the Manitoba Integrated Organized Crime Task Force, along with over 150 police officers from the RCMP, Winnipeg Police Service and Brandon Police Service made numerous arrests and conducted searches as part of the investigation of Project Defense[41]. Thirteen people were indicted on a variety of charges associated to drug trafficking, extortion, proceeds of crime and organized crime related offences.

Project Defense was initiated in November of 2004 and focused on high level members of drug trafficking cells in the province of Manitoba, including members of the Manitoba Hells Angels. During the investigation police made numerous seizures that totaled in excess of seven kilograms of cocaine and three kilograms of methamphetamine from drug traffickers within the Manitoba Hells Angels organization and other drug trafficking cells. Arrest warrants were issued for thirteen individuals and 12 search warrants were authorized for locations in Winnipeg and area.

This long-term covert investigation was initiated by the Manitoba Integrated Organized Crime Task Force, which was established in the spring of 2004 when an Agreement was signed between the Winnipeg Police Service, the RCMP, the Brandon Police Service and the Province of Manitoba. The mandate of the task force was to disrupt and dismantle organized crime in the province of Manitoba.

Arrest warrants were executed on the President Ernie DEW for Trafficking in a Controlled Substance and Possess Proceeds of Goods Obtained by Crime. High profile member Ian Matthew GRANT was also charged with Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, Possess Proceeds of Goods Obtained by Crime, Extortion and Commission of an Offence for a Criminal Organization. Recorded phone calls with GRANT threatening the police operative were used as evidence.

Assault with Hammer and Handgun

On December 14th, 2006, Hells Angels members Sean Sebastian Wolfe and Corey Allen MacInnis received a phone call from an acquaintance asking for assistance at a residence in the 700 block of Toronto Street. It was there that the victim alleges that he was threatened with a gun. The victim attempted to flee and was pursued by one of the bikers. He was able to make good his escape and contacted police.

Shortly later, another male attended the residence and was confronted by the two Hells Angels. He got back into his vehicle and the two members proceeded to smash out the windows of his vehicle. The member with the gun proceeded to threaten him. The victim fled in the vehicle and was not injured.

Both victims initially declined police assistance allegedly fearing retribution. In the spring of 2007, the victims requested police assistance with the matter and an investigation was initiated by the Winnipeg Police Service Organized Crime Unit. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Wolfe and MacInnis in connection with the incident. Both were charged with assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and mischief under $5,000.00. Wolfe was also charged with uttering threats. Both were detained at the Winnipeg Remand Centre, were released and are awaiting trial.[42]

Project Drill

On December 12, 2007 Project Drill[43] came to an end, with Winnipeg Police raiding the Hells Angels clubhouse on Scotia Street. Project Drill started Tuesday evening with arrests in Thompson and continued throughout the night and early morning in Winnipeg and St. Pierre-Jolys. During the course of Project Drill, police seized 11 kilograms of cocaine, 13 pounds of marijuana, 2,000 tablets of methamphetamine, five machine guns, three handguns, $70,000 cash and several vehicles.

Police said the latest arrests — 14 people were in custody as of last night, four were still being sought — will be a blow to the Hells Angels as it’s the second time their president was the target in a police sting since the gang set up shop in the city almost seven years ago. Hells Angels prospect member Al LeBras was also arrested at his Barber Street home in Wednesday’s raids.

The recently amended Criminal Property Forfeiture Act gives the province the power to seize it as proceeds of crime, in keeping what has already happened in other Canadian cities. Whether that happens remains to be seen.

Joint Investigations

Other joint investigations include:

  • Project Develop[44], a joint 18-month investigation with Ontario, New Brunswick, and British Columbia
  • In January 2006, Project Husky[45], a two-year investigation involving police forces in Ontario, Quebec and Alberta, resulted in the arrest of twenty-seven suspects,[46] including five full-patch Angels from across Eastern and Central Canada
  • Project Koker[47], 23-month investigation in Edmonton and Calgary
  • Project Halo[48], a three-year investigation by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Team of the RCMP, into alleged criminal activity with the Nanaimo chapter. The investigation culminated in the search warrant being executed on December 12, 2003. On November 9, 2007, a seizure order was executed, under Section 467.12(1) of the Criminal Code, on the clubhouse by dozens of heavily armed RCMP officers[49].

Pop culture

Wild Hogs

In March 2006, the Hells Angels sued Walt Disney Co. for allegedly engaging in trademark infringement. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court of California, alleged that the Disney film entitled Wild Hogs used both the name and distinctive logo of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Corporation without permission.[50] The movie, released in 2007 and starring John Travolta, Tim Allen, Martin Lawrence, and William H. Macy, is described on the Internet Movie Database as "A group of suburban biker wannabes looking for adventure hit the open road, but get more than they bargained for when they encounter a New Mexico gang called the Del Fuegos."

Celebrity members

While membership in the Hells Angels are kept confidential, some celebrities have publicly acknowledged their affiliation with the club. Actor Chuck Zito, best known for his role on the HBO series Oz, was a member. [51]

Pop culture references

References

  1. ^ FBI Safe Street Violent Crime Initiative Report Fiscal Year 2000
  2. ^ Criminal Intelligence Service Canada (CISC) Annual Report
  3. ^ a b c Hells Angels Official Web Site: History, http://www.hells-angels.com/history.htm
  4. ^ History Channel episode, Hell's Angels
  5. ^ History Documentary Hell's Angels Time Index approximately 00.05 minutes into the program
  6. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/this_world/3311057.stm BBC
  7. ^ Gangs; A Journey into the heart of the British Underworld, Tony Thompson (journalist) (2004) ISBN 0-340-83053-0
  8. ^ HAMC Overview Document, Overview of the Hell’s Angel’s Motorcycle Club (HAMC) In Canada
  9. ^ NDIC Document, US Department of Justice Report on OMG HA
  10. ^ http://www.hellsangelslondon.com/history.php HAMC London Web Site
  11. ^ http://www.hells-angels.com/charters.htm
  12. ^ http://www.hells-angels.com/faq.htm Hells Angels FAQ page
  13. ^ http://www.motorcyclemonster.com/Events/description_pages/12-17-06-hells-angels-toy.htm
  14. ^ http://www.gazette.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/article-en.html?&lang_id=1&article_id=228
  15. ^ IMDB, Gimmer Shelter (1970), accessed February 28, 2007
  16. ^ Barger, Sonny; Zimmerman, Keith; and Zimmerman, Kent Hell's Angels: The Life and Times of Sonny Barger and the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club. HarperCollins, pp 159 - 169
  17. ^ Hells Angels get prison terms, accessed March 29, 2007
  18. ^ http://www.amny.com/news/local/am-hell013107,0,7706581.story
  19. ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/01/nyregion/01angels.html?ref=nyregion
  20. ^ http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004083772_hellsangel19m.html
  21. ^ http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004113965_webhellsangel08m.html
  22. ^ http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003889711_hellsangel18m.html
  23. ^ The Vancouver Sun (June 10, 2005), B.C.'s Hells Angels: Rich and Powerful
  24. ^ Fallen Angel: The Unlikely Rise of Walter Stadnick in the Canadian Hells Angels, by Jerry Langton, John Wiley & Sons Canada Ltd, 2006
  25. ^ http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?pub=bill&doc=C-24&parl=37&ses=1&language=E
  26. ^ http://www.canlii.org/on/cas/onsc/2005/2005onsc14135.html R. v. Lindsay, 2005
  27. ^ RCMP Gazette, Behind the anti-gang law
  28. ^ Toronto Fokus, http://www.torontofokus.com/order.html
  29. ^ Lawyer shocked by possible biker raid leak
  30. ^ [1]
  31. ^ CityNews article (April 4, 2007), Fallen Angels
  32. ^ The Star
  33. ^ http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2006/09/28/raids-gangs.html
  34. ^ http://www.canlii.org/ca/sta/c-46/sec462.3.html
  35. ^ Yahoo
  36. ^ CBC News, Mom guilty of murder
  37. ^ Wiseguy Wally, Yves "Apache" Trudeau
  38. ^ '45 Charged', Vancouver Sun: 45 Hells Angles Charged
  39. ^ a b c 'E-Pandora', Project E-Pandora News Release
  40. ^ a b RCMP Gazette, Winning the PR war.
  41. ^ 'Project Defense', Project Defense, Winnipeg Media Release
  42. ^ 'Winnipeg Assault Arrests', Assault Arrests, Winnipeg Police Service Media Release
  43. ^ 'Project Drill', Project Drill, Winnipeg Media Release
  44. ^ 'Project Develop', 'Project Develop' 40 HA locations raided
  45. ^ 'Project Husky', 'Project Husky' arrests 27 Hells Angels members
  46. ^ http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/01/19/biker-busts20060119.html
  47. ^ 'Project Koker', Eighteen Charged in 'Project Koker'
  48. ^ 'Project Halo', Nanaimo members claim smear campaign -- police unconvinced
  49. ^ 'Nanaimo Clubhouse Seizure', Safety of police considered in Hells Angels clubhouse takeover
  50. ^ 'Litigation against movie release' (March 8, 2006), HAMC vs Walt Disney
  51. ^ http://www.thesweetscience.com/boxing-article/4122/gatti-angels-chuck-zito

Books and Newspaper Articles

Perhaps the most notorious and colorful account of the Hells Angels was written by Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson. Published in 1966, Hell's Angels: The Strange and Terrible Saga of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs, was expanded from an original 1965 article for The Nation after he spent a year in close quarters with group.

See also

Official sites

Other sites

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hells_Angels&oldid=183548667"