Europol reports rise in outlaw motorcycle gang activity

As part of its responsibility to monitor developments in the threat from organised crime and terrorism in Europe, Europol in The Hague has recently identified a major expansion in the activity of the Hells Angels and other outlaw motorcycle gangs.

Europol is leading a major project in this area to help law enforcement agencies in the EU to combat this threat.

Outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCGs) such as Bandidos and Hells Angels are already present throughout the European Union (EU). Recently the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club (HAMC) has significantly expanded its presence into Eastern Europe. Over the last couple of years they have spearheaded an extremely rapid drive into South-East Europe, particularly in Turkey and Albania.

Multi-crime approach

Those motorcycle riders who do not abide by the law refer to themselves as ‘one percenters’ (1%er).

Most of these OMCG members adopt a multi-crime approach that includes racketeering and extortion, violent crimes such as homicide, grievous bodily harm and organised robbery, fraud and financial crime, as well as trafficking of firearms and explosives, trafficking of human beings for sexual exploitation and drug trafficking.

More information can be found on the website of Europol.