Hells Angels: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|International motorcycle club}} |
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{{otheruses1|the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club}} |
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{{Other uses|Hells Angels (disambiguation)}} |
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{{Use American English|date=September 2024}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2024}} |
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{{Infobox organization |
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| name = Hells Angels MC |
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| image = Hells Angels logo.jpg |
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| image_size = <!--(defaults to 200px)--> |
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| abbreviation = {{hlist|HA|81<ref name="Famous Hells Angel">{{cite news| url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/06/29/sonny-barger-famous-hells-angel-and-bestselling-author-dead-at-83-of-cancer/| author-last=Gartrell| author-first=Nate| title=Sonny Barger, famous Hells Angel and bestselling author, dead at 83 of cancer| newspaper=[[The Mercury News]]| date=June 29, 2022| access-date=June 30, 2022| archive-date=July 14, 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714205429/https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/06/29/sonny-barger-famous-hells-angel-and-bestselling-author-dead-at-83-of-cancer/| url-status=dead}}</ref>|HAMC|Big Red Machine<ref name="Hells merchandise">[https://www.simcoereformer.ca/news/local-news/hells-merchandise-barred-from-friday-13th Hells merchandise barred from Friday 13th] Monte Sonnenberg, ''[[Simcoe Reformer]]'' (May 8, 2019) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508204131/https://www.simcoereformer.ca/news/local-news/hells-merchandise-barred-from-friday-13th |date=May 8, 2019 }}</ref>}} |
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| founded = {{start date and age|1948|03|17}}<ref>{{cite web|title=The Founding of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club|url=https://hells-angels.com/our-club/history/|website=Hells-Angels.com|access-date=May 3, 2021|url-status=live|language=en-US|archive-date=April 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416164838/https://hells-angels.com/our-club/history/}}</ref><ref name="independent.co.uk">{{cite news |archive-date=June 9, 2008 |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/inside-the-biker-gangs-the-truth-about-guns-drugs-and-organised-crime-461508.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080609010101/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/inside%2Dthe%2Dbiker%2Dgangs%2Dthe%2Dtruth%2Dabout%2Dguns%2Ddrugs%2Dand%2Dorganised%2Dcrime%2D461508.html|title=Inside the biker gangs: the truth about guns, drugs and organized crime |newspaper=The Independent |location=UK |date= August 14, 2007 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 13, 2010}}</ref> |
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| founder = Otto Friedli<ref name="independent.co.uk"/> |
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| founding_location = [[Fontana, California]],<br />United States<ref name=Drewery2003>{{cite news |last=Drewery |first=George |title=3 Skulls, Wings & Outlaws – Motorcycle Club Insignia & Cultural Identity |periodical=Inter-Cultural Studies; A Forum on Social Change & Cultural Diversity |volume=3 |number=2 |date=Spring 2003 |issn=1445-1190|page=29 |url=http://weblearn.newcastle.edu.au/centre/ics/pubs/ICS_Vol_3_No_2_spring2003.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060906155915/http://weblearn.newcastle.edu.au/centre/ics/pubs/ICS_Vol_3_No_2_spring2003.pdf |archive-date=September 6, 2006 }}</ref> |
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| type = [[Outlaw motorcycle club]] |
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| headquarters = [[Oakland, California]],<br />United States<ref>[https://fortune.com/2012/12/02/the-hells-angels-devilish-business-fortune-1992/ The Hells Angels’ devilish business (Fortune, 1992)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309175943/https://fortune.com/2012/12/02/the-hells-angels-devilish-business-fortune-1992/ |date=March 9, 2021 }} Andy Serwer, ''[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]]'' (December 2, 2012)</ref> |
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| region = Worldwide (592 charters in 66 countries)<ref>[https://www.hells-angels.com Hells Angels MC World] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017033220/https://hells-angels.com/ |date=October 17, 2022 }} At the bottom of the homepage under "CHARTERS WORLDWIDE" is a listing of all current info - continents, countries, areas and charters</ref> |
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| purpose = <!-- focus as e.g. veteran, law enforcement, charitable etc --> |
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| membership = 6,000<ref name="Angels organizing on P.E.I.">[https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-hells-angels-rcmp-1.3775990 Hells Angels organizing on P.E.I., say RCMP] Kevin Yarr and Sally Pitt, [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]] (September 23, 2016) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924130126/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-hells-angels-rcmp-1.3775990 |date=September 24, 2016 }}</ref><ref name="Clubhouses seized">[https://www.houston-today.com/news/hells-angels-clubhouses-in-kelowna-nanaimo-and-vancouver-seized-by-government/ Hells Angels clubhouses in Kelowna, Nanaimo and Vancouver seized by government] Jacqueline Gelineau, ''Houston Today'' (February 15, 2023) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217023659/https://www.houston-today.com/news/hells-angels-clubhouses-in-kelowna-nanaimo-and-vancouver-seized-by-government/ |date=February 17, 2023 }}</ref> |
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| leader_name = <!-- name of leader --> |
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| leader_title = <!-- position title for the leader of the club --> |
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| key_people = [[Sonny Barger]] |
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| website = {{Official website}} |
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}} |
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The '''Hells Angels Motorcycle Club''' ('''HAMC''') is an international [[outlaw motorcycle club]] whose members typically ride [[Harley-Davidson]] motorcycles. In the United States and Canada, the Hells Angels are [[Incorporation (business)#Association|incorporated]] as the '''Hells Angels Motorcycle Corporation'''. Common nicknames for the club are the "H.A.", "Red & White", and "81".<ref>"81" is a metonym. As 'H' and 'A' are the 8th and 1st letter of the alphabet.</ref> With a membership of over 6,000, and 592 charters in 66 countries, the HAMC is the largest "outlaw" motorcycle club in the world.<ref name="Angels organizing on P.E.I."/><ref name="Clubhouses seized"/><ref name="How the Bandidos became one of the world’s most feared biker gangs">{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Michael E. |date=May 18, 2015 |title=How the Bandidos became one of the world's most feared biker gangs |language=en-US |newspaper=[[Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/05/18/how-the-bandidos-became-americas-most-feared-biker-gang/ |access-date=October 15, 2022 |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414165703/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/05/18/how-the-bandidos-became-americas-most-feared-biker-gang/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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[[Hells Angels MC criminal allegations and incidents|Many Hells Angels members are involved in organized crime]], such as drug trafficking, and engage in violent conflict with members of other outlaw motorcycle clubs and organized crime groups. Involvement in organized crime and violence has historically extended to the organization's most senior leadership. Many police and international intelligence agencies, including the [[United States Department of Justice]], the [[Criminal Intelligence Service Canada]], the [[Australian Federal Police]], and [[Europol]], consider the club an organized crime syndicate.<ref name="doj-gangunit">{{cite web|title=Motorcycle gang|url=https://www.justice.gov/criminal/ocgs/gangs/motorcycle.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415074158/http://www.justice.gov/criminal/ocgs/gangs/motorcycle.html|archive-date=April 15, 2014|access-date=January 23, 2010|publisher=U.S. Department of Justice}}</ref><ref name="oc-ca">{{cite web|last=Lockyer|first=Bill|year=2003|title=ORGANIZED CRIME IN CALIFORNIA|url=http://ag.ca.gov/publications/org_crime.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100129021517/http://ag.ca.gov/publications/org_crime.pdf|archive-date=January 29, 2010|access-date=January 23, 2010|work=CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=September 2006|title=ORGANIZED CRIME IN OREGON|url=http://www.oregonattorneygeneral.gov/hot_topics/pdf/oc_report_final.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721060631/http://www.oregonattorneygeneral.gov/hot_topics/pdf/oc_report_final.pdf|archive-date=July 21, 2011|access-date=January 23, 2010|publisher=Oregon State Department of Justice}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=July 2003|title=ASIAN ORGANIZED CRIME AND TERRORIST ACTIVITY IN CANADA, 1999–2002|url=https://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/pdf-files/AsianOrgCrime_Canada.pdf|access-date=January 23, 2010|work=Federal Research Division|publisher=Library of Congress|archive-date=November 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114001449/https://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/pdf-files/AsianOrgCrime_Canada.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 24, 2013 |title=Major international operation against Hells Angels |url=https://www.europol.europa.eu/media-press/newsroom/news/major-international-operation-against-hells-angels |access-date=October 15, 2022 |website=Europol |language=en |archive-date=November 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221120163246/https://www.europol.europa.eu/media-press/newsroom/news/major-international-operation-against-hells-angels |url-status=live }} {{Cite web |url=https://www.europol.europa.eu/media-press/newsroom/news/major-international-operation-against-hells-angels |title=Major international operation against Hells Angels | Europol |access-date=October 15, 2022 |archive-date=November 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221120163246/https://www.europol.europa.eu/media-press/newsroom/news/major-international-operation-against-hells-angels |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref><ref name="OC in Canada 2003">[https://publications.gc.ca/Collection/JS61-8-2003E.pdf 2003 Annual Report on Organized Crime in Canada] [[Criminal Intelligence Service Canada]] (2003) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702195551/https://publications.gc.ca/site/archivee-archived.html?url=https://publications.gc.ca/Collection/JS61-8-2003E.pdf |date=July 2, 2023 }}</ref><ref name="AFP targets gangs in South-East Asia">[https://www.afp.gov.au/news-media/media-releases/afp-targets-outlaw-motorcycle-gangs-south-east-asia AFP targets outlaw motorcycle gangs in South-East Asia] [[Australian Federal Police]] (July 11, 2022) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710211356/https://www.afp.gov.au/news-media/media-releases/afp-targets-outlaw-motorcycle-gangs-south-east-asia |date=July 10, 2022 }}</ref> |
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{{TotallyDisputed}} |
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==History== |
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[[Image:Hells Angels New York by David Shankbone.jpg|thumb|300px|Hells Angels New York City]] |
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The Hells Angels originated on March 17, 1948, in [[Fontana, California]], when several small motorcycle clubs agreed to merge.<ref name="Langton 2018">''The Secret Life of Bikers'' by Jerry Langton. Location 19.5/477. HarperCollings:2018 {{ISBN|978-1-44345-467-4}}</ref> Otto Friedli, a [[World War II]] veteran, is credited with starting the club after breaking from the [[Pissed Off Bastards of Bloomington|Pissed Off Bastards]] motorcycle club over a feud with a rival gang.<ref name=":0">{{cite news|last=James|first=Randy|date=August 3, 2009|title=A Brief History of the Hells Angels|language=en-US|magazine=Time|url=http://content.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1914201,00.html|url-status=dead|issn=0040-781X|access-date=December 18, 2020|archive-date=December 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225023032/https://content.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1914201,00.html}}</ref> According to an alternative theory, the Hells Angels were founded on November 15, 1951, in [[San Bernardino, California|San Bernardino]], by Dick White, a member of the [[Redlands, California|Redlands]] Road Runners.<ref name="Betty Supernaw">[https://thewesternempire.com/uncategorized/the-betty-supernaw-hells-angels-pobobs-archive/ The Betty Supernaw Hells Angels & POBOBs Archive] TheWesternEmpire.com (June 1, 2020) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306215434/https://thewesternempire.com/uncategorized/the-betty-supernaw-hells-angels-pobobs-archive/ |date=March 6, 2022 }}</ref><ref name="Contemporary Outlaws">[https://thevintagent.com/2021/01/19/research-into-contemporary-outlaws-rico/ Research into Contemporary Outlaws (RICO)] Greg Williams, TheVintagent.com (January 19, 2021) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522232030/https://thevintagent.com/2021/01/19/research-into-contemporary-outlaws-rico/ |date=May 22, 2022 }}</ref> |
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According to its website, the club's name was suggested by Arvid Olsen, an associate of the founders who had served in the "Hell's Angels" squadron of the [[Flying Tigers]] in China during World War II.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hells-angels.com/?HA=history |title=Hells Angels MC World |publisher=Hells-angels.com |access-date=February 15, 2011 |archive-date=August 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821032151/http://www.hells-angels.com/?HA=history |url-status=live }}</ref> In a letter written to ''[[The Guinness Book of World Records]]'' by a member on the Hells Angels' behalf, it is instead stated that the club's name was taken from the "Hell's Angels" squadron of the [[303rd Bombardment Group]], which was active in the [[European theatre of World War II|European theater]] of World War II.<ref name="Angels Do Not Forget">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RA5XCAAAQBAJ&pg=PT8|author=Raymond C. Morgan|isbn=9780960271801|title=The Angels Do Not Forget|date=1979|publisher=Law & Justice Pubs, U.S.A.|access-date=January 29, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307143516/https://books.google.com/books?id=RA5XCAAAQBAJ&pg=PT8|url-status=live}}</ref> It is at least clear that the name was inspired by the tradition from World Wars I and II whereby the Americans gave their squadrons fierce, death-defying titles; an example of this lies in one of the three [[Curtiss P-40 Warhawk|P-40]] squadrons of Flying Tigers fielded in Burma and China, which was dubbed "Hell's Angels".<ref>{{cite web |last=Rossi |first=J.R. |url=http://www.flyingtigersavg.22web.org/tiger9.htm |title=Flying Tiger Association Unit Rosters |work=The Flying Tigers - American Volunteer Group - Chinese Air Force |access-date=June 7, 2012 |archive-date=December 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205120221/http://www.flyingtigersavg.22web.org/tiger9.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1930, the [[Howard Hughes]] film ''[[Hell's Angels (film)|Hell's Angels]]'' showcased extraordinary and dangerous feats of aviation, and it is believed that World War II groups that used that name based it on the film.<ref name=":0" /> According to the Hells Angels' website, they are aware that there is an apostrophe missing in "Hells", but "... it is you who miss it. We don't".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hells-angels.com/faqcontact/|title=FAQ/Contact – Hells Angels MC World|access-date=May 2, 2020|archive-date=April 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200430201909/http://hells-angels.com/faqcontact/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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The '''Hells Angels Motorcycle Club''' ('''HAMC''') is a world-wide [[motorcycle club]] for [[Harley-Davidson]] riders only. In the [[United States]], and [[Canada]], the Hells Angels are incorporated as the '''Hells Angels Motorcycle Corporation'''. |
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[[File:Boeing B-17F-25-BO Fortress 42-24577 Hells Angels.jpg|thumb|left|This B-17F, tail number 41–24577, was named Hell's Angels after the 1930 [[Hell's Angels (film)|Howard Hughes movie]] about [[Aviation in World War I|World War I fighter pilots]].<ref>Bishop, Cliff T. (1986). ''Fortresses of the Big Triangle First'', East Anglia Books. {{ISBN|1-869987-00-4}}, pp.160, 236.</ref><ref name="hangels">{{cite web |url=http://www.303rdbg.com/missionreports/ha-vs-mb.pdf |title=Hells Angels vs. Memphis Belle, Historical Information |publisher=303rd Bomb Group Association |access-date=August 11, 2008 |archive-date=September 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923093641/http://www.303rdbg.com/missionreports/ha-vs-mb.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>]] |
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==History== |
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Some of the HAMC's early history is not clear, and accounts differ. The club's first official charter was reportedly drawn up in Fontana in 1950.<ref name="Angels Do Not Forget"/> Various autonomous Hells Angels charters were formed throughout California in the decade following the club's foundation, by nomadic members who moved from one city to another.{{sfn|Barker|2007|p=34}} The San Francisco ("Frisco") charter was reportedly founded by former members of the [[Market Street Commandos]] in 1954. A [[North Sacramento, Sacramento, California|North Sacramento]] charter was established in 1956, followed by another charter in [[Sacramento, California|Sacramento]] the following year, which was formed by two brothers, James "Mother" Miles and Pat Miles, who were former members of the Hell Bent for Glory biker club.{{sfn|Barker|2007|p=34-35}} The Sacramento charter later disbanded and relocated to [[Richmond, California|Richmond]] as a [[Nomad (motorcycle club membership)|Nomads chapter]] in 1965.<ref name="Driving out the Angels">[https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/driving-out-the-angels-how-an-outlaw-motorcycle-club-was-ousted-from-sacramento/103-461576041 Driving out the Angels: How an outlaw motorcycle club was ousted from Sacramento] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208230730/https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/driving-out-the-angels-how-an-outlaw-motorcycle-club-was-ousted-from-sacramento/103-461576041 |date=December 8, 2022 }} Michael Anthony Adams, [[KXTV|ABC 10]] (August 5, 2017)</ref> According to [[Ralph "Sonny" Barger]], founder of the [[Oakland, California|Oakland]] charter in 1957, other early charters of the club were founded in [[Gardena, California|Gardena]], and elsewhere, with the members usually unaware that there were other clubs. One of the lesser-known clubs was in North [[Chino, California|Chino]]/South [[Pomona, California|Pomona]] in the late 1960s. Barger has been credited with helping to unify these various disparate charters under common club bylaws.{{sfn|Barker|2007|p=35}}<ref name="Who was Sonny Barger">[https://fox40.com/news/local-news/who-was-sonny-barger-the-hells-angels-member-whose-funeral-service-is-in-stockton/ Who was Sonny Barger, the Hells Angels member whose funeral service is in Stockton] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208195718/https://fox40.com/news/local-news/who-was-sonny-barger-the-hells-angels-member-whose-funeral-service-is-in-stockton/ |date=December 8, 2022 }} Megan Camponovo, [[KTXL|Fox 40]] (September 22, 2022)</ref><ref name="Sonny Barger dies">[https://www.tampabay.com/news/nation-world/2022/07/01/sonny-barger-figurehead-of-hells-angels-dies-at-83/ Sonny Barger, figurehead of Hells Angels, dies at 83] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208195713/https://www.tampabay.com/news/nation-world/2022/07/01/sonny-barger-figurehead-of-hells-angels-dies-at-83/ |date=December 8, 2022 }} ''[[Tampa Bay Times]]'' (July 1, 2022)</ref> |
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Formed in [[1948]] in [[Fontana, California|Fontana]], [[California]], the name "Hells Angels" was a copycat of the name of the [[United States Air Force|U.S. Air Force]] 303rd [[USAAF bombardment group|Bombardment Groups]] in the early years of [[World War II]]. The name originally referred to a [[B-17 Flying Fortress|B-17F Bomber]], but in [[1944]] the plane was dismantled and the Bombardment group voted to keep the name "Hell's Angels". This name was taken by the 303rd from a [[1930]] film called ''[[Hell's Angels (film)|Hell's Angels]]'' directed by [[Howard Hughes]] about two [[World War I]] pilots. After the war, the motorcycle club in Fontana, California, was approached by Arvid Olsen of the [[Flying Tigers]] squadron from the 303rd Group.<ref name=history>'Stew' & 'Craig', [http://www.hells-angels.com/history.htm HAMC History]</ref> |
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Other sources claim that the San Francisco Hells Angels were organized in 1953 by Rocky Graves, a Hells Angel member from San Bernardino ("Berdoo"), implying that the "Frisco" Hells Angels were very much aware of their forebears.<ref>Birney Jarvis for ''Male'' magazine, 1964. Reprinted in ''Hells Angels'' by Hunter S. Thompson</ref> The "Frisco" Hells Angels were reorganized in 1955 with 13 charter members, Frank Sadilek serving as president, and the smaller, original logo. The Oakland charter, at the time headed by Barger, used a larger version of the "Death's Head" patch nicknamed the "Barger Larger", which was first used in 1959. It later became the club standard.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6dtpZvDVImcC&dq=yves+trudeau+Andr%C3%A9+Desjardins&pg=PT27|title=Biker Gangs: Hells Angels, Bandidos, Pagans, Bosozoku and Other World Gangs|isbn=9781909284067|last1=Roberts|first1=Walter|date=2012|publisher=RW Press |quote=It was Sonny Barger, founder of the Oakland Hells Angels, who brought them all together under one umbrella. Some suggest that the organization of the Hells Angels had already taken place in San Francisco in 1953 when Rocky Graves gathered together 13 charter members, with a president, using a smaller version of the Death's Head logo. The Oakland charter used a bigger version of the logo—known as the 'Barger Larger'. This would eventually become the standard version used everywhere.|access-date=December 22, 2022|archive-date=April 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430040828/https://books.google.com/books?id=6dtpZvDVImcC&dq=yves%20trudeau%20Andr%C3%A9%20Desjardins&pg=PT27|url-status=live}}</ref> The first charter to open outside California was established in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1961.<ref name=":0" /> |
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The Hells Angels are often depicted in semi-mythical romantic fashion like the 19th-century [[James–Younger Gang]]: free-spirited, iconic, bound by brotherhood and loyalty. At other times, such as in the 1966 [[Roger Corman]] film ''[[The Wild Angels]]'', they are depicted as violent and nihilistic, little more than a violent criminal gang and a scourge on society.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bagnall |first=Sam |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/this_world/3311057.stm |title=Hells Angels: Easy-riders or criminal gang? |work=This World |publisher=BBC News |date=January 2, 2004 |access-date=August 13, 2010 |archive-date=June 21, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100621015132/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/this_world/3311057.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The club became prominent within, and established its notoriety as part of, the 1960s [[Counterculture of the 1960s|counterculture]] movement in San Francisco's [[Haight-Ashbury]] District, playing a part at many of the movement's seminal events. Members were directly connected to many of the counterculture's primary leaders, such as [[Ken Kesey]] and the [[Merry Pranksters]], [[Allen Ginsberg]], [[Jerry Garcia]] and the [[Grateful Dead]], [[Timothy Leary]], [[The Beatles]], [[The Rolling Stones]], [[Mick Farren]], and [[Tom Wolfe]]. "[[Gonzo journalism|Gonzo]]" journalist [[Hunter S. Thompson]]'s book about the club launched his career. From 1968 to 1969 the Hells Angels of San Francisco headquarters was at 715 Ashbury (across from the Grateful Dead house at 710 Ashbury).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Chamings|first=Andrew|date=April 27, 2021|title=The most famous (and infamous) houses of Haight-Ashbury|url=https://www.sfgate.com/sf-culture/article/2021-04-san-francisco-haight-ashbury-famous-homes-16129977.php|access-date=May 15, 2021|website=SFGATE|language=en-US|archive-date=May 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515055154/https://www.sfgate.com/sf-culture/article/2021-04-san-francisco-haight-ashbury-famous-homes-16129977.php|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://bu.digication.com/counterculture/The_Fall_of_the_Counterculture/preview|title=The Fall of the Counterculture : Preview|publisher=Bu.digication.com|access-date=November 30, 2014|archive-date=October 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025185503/https://bu.digication.com/counterculture/The_Fall_of_the_Counterculture/preview|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Hell's Angels and the Illusion of the Counterculture; Wood, John. September 30, 2003. The Journal of Popular Culture, Volume 3</ref><ref>The Haight-Ashbury: A History; Perry, Charles. 2005</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://pdr.autono.net/SonnyBarger.html |title=Interview with Sonny Barger |publisher=Pdr.autono.net |access-date=June 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730055548/http://pdr.autono.net/SonnyBarger.html |archive-date=July 30, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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[[Ralph 'Sonny' Barger]] wrote a comprehensive account of the early history of the club, in his autobiography, ''Hell's Angel: The Life and Times of Sonny Barger and the Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club''. He had spent over a decade in Arizona writing biker-related fiction. According to Barger's memoir, early chapters of the club were founded in [[San Francisco]], [[Gardena, California|Gardena]], Fontana, and other places, independently of one another, with the members usually being unaware that there were other Hells Angels clubs. |
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In 1973, members from several branches of the organization protested at an [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|Environmental Protection Agency]] hearing about a proposed transportation plan that included restrictions on motorcycle use and sales to get California to meet the new [[Clean Air Act (United States)|Clean Air Act]] standards.<ref>"Early Implementation of the Clean Air Act of 1970 in California". EPA Alumni Association. [http://www.epaalumni.org/history/video/interview.cfm?id=38 Video] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922200914/https://www.epaalumni.org/history/video/interview.cfm?id=38 |date=September 22, 2020 }}, [https://www.epaalumni.org/userdata/pdf/2B9E3C6816EC9466.pdf#page=14 Transcript] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412020955/https://www.epaalumni.org/userdata/pdf/2B9E3C6816EC9466.pdf#page=14 |date=April 12, 2019 }} (see p. 14). July 12, 2016.</ref> |
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There appear to be accounts contradicting Sonny's memoir, stating that the Hells Angels in San Francisco were originally organized in 1953 by Rocky Graves who was a Hells Angel member from San Bernardino ("Berdoo"). So the "Frisco" Hells Angels were very much aware of their forebears. The "Frisco" Hells Angels were reorganized in 1955 with thirteen charter members; Frank Sadilek served as President. The first Oakland group, ca. 1956, before Sonny was involved, had the name "Green Tanks" as the lower rocker jacket patch. Green Tanks is a section of Oakland.{{Fact|date=June 2007}} |
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==Insignia== |
==Insignia== |
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[[File:HAMC BD.jpg|thumb|Insignia of the Hells Angels from [[Karlsruhe]] charter, with the '1%' patch on the gates]] |
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While there are many references on the web stating that the [[Skull (symbolism)|Death's Head]] insignia was designed by long time "[[San Francisco, California|Frisco]]" Hells Angels President Frank Sadliek, Sadliek himself claims this is untrue. The image, which appears on the [[business card|membership card]] as well as other Hells Angels [[ephemera]], was drawn in [[1953]] by a man whose real name is lost or unknown but was known to those at the time as "Sundown". Frank had the original printer's negative from which the "Frisco" Hells Angels membership cards were [[offset printing|offset printed]]. This may be the reason for the attribution. |
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The Hells Angels' official website attributes the official "death's head" insignia design to Frank Sadilek, past president of the San Francisco charter.<ref name=official_history>{{cite web |publisher=Hells-angels.com |title=History |url=http://www.hells-angels.com/HISTORY.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080714043729/http://www.hells-angels.com/HISTORY.html |archive-date=July 14, 2008}}</ref> The colors and shape of the early-style jacket emblem (before 1953) were copied from the insignias of the [[85th Fighter Squadron]] and the [[386th Bombardment Group|552nd Medium Bomber Squadron]].<ref name=official_history /> |
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The Hells Angels have a system of patches similar to military medals. The specific meaning of each patch is not publicly known, but the patches identify each biker's specific or significant actions or beliefs.<ref>''Gangs: A Journey into the heart of the British Underworld'', Tony Thompson, (2004) {{ISBN|0-340-83053-0}}</ref> The official colors of the Hells Angels are red lettering displayed on a white background—hence the club's nickname "The Red and White". The patches are worn on leather or denim jackets and vests. |
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The colors and shape for the jacket emblem, which existed before 1953, may be copied from the insignias of the [[List of United States Air Force squadrons#Fighter Squadrons|85th Fighter Squadron]] and the [[List of units using the B-26 Marauder during World War II#386th Bomb Group|552nd Medium Bomber Squadron]].<ref name=history/> |
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Red and white are also used to display the number 81 on many patches, as in "Support 81", "Route 81". The 8 and 1 stand for the respective positions in the alphabet of ''H'' and ''A''.<ref name="Hells Angels movement">[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1560229/Hells-Angels-movement.html Hells Angels movement] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115211111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1560229/Hells-Angels-movement.html |date=November 15, 2022 }} Paul Stokes, ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' (August 14, 2007)</ref> Friends and supporters of the club use these in deference to club rules, which purport to restrict the wearing of Hells Angels imagery to club members. The diamond-shaped [[Outlaw motorcycle club|one-percenter]] patch is also used, displaying "1%" in red on a white background with a red [[overlock|merrowed]] border. The term "one-percenter" is said to be a response to the [[American Motorcyclist Association]] (AMA) comment on the [[Hollister riot|Hollister incident]] to the effect that 99% of motorcyclists were law-abiding citizens and 1% were outlaws. The AMA has no record of such a statement and calls this story apocryphal.<ref name=Dulaney2005a>{{cite news |last=Lindsey |first=Tom |periodical=International Journal of Motorcycle Studies |url=http://ijms.nova.edu/November2005/IJMS_Artcl.Dulaney.html |date=November 2005 |title=A Brief History of "Outlaw" Motorcycle Clubs |quote=The Life story caused something of a tumult around the country (Yates), and some authors have asserted that the AMA subsequently released a press statement disclaiming involvement in the Hollister event, stating that 99% of motorcyclists are good, decent, law-abiding citizens and that the AMA's ranks of motorcycle clubs were not involved in the debacle (e.g., Reynolds, Thompson). However, the American Motorcyclist Association has no record of ever releasing such a statement. Tom Lindsay, the AMA's Public Information Director, states 'We <nowiki>[the American Motorcyclist Association]</nowiki> acknowledge that the term 'one-percenter' has long been (and likely will continue to be) attributed to the American Motorcyclist Association, but we've been unable to attribute its original use to an AMA official or published statement—so it's apocryphal.' |access-date=July 23, 2009 |archive-date=December 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101225160837/http://ijms.nova.edu/November2005/IJMS_Artcl.Dulaney.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The Hells Angels utilise 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<ref>Gangs; A Journey into the heart of the British Underworld, [[Tony Thompson (journalist)]] (2004) ISBN 0-340-83053-0</small></ref>. |
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The official colors of the Hells Angels are red lettering displayed on a white background. |
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Red and white is also used to display the number 81, one 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. |
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[[File:Hells Angels-03.jpg|thumb|left|upright|New York Hells Angels patch]] |
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Also in use is the [[Motorcycle Club#One Percenters|'One-percenter']] patch, a [[rhombus]] shaped patch labeled, simply, with '1%'. The patch, and subsequent term, was in response to the [[American Motorcyclist Association]] (AMA) comment on the [[Hollister riot|Hollister incident]] and their response was that 99% of motorcyclists were law-abiding citizens, and the last one percent were outlaws. |
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Most members wear a rectangular patch (again, white background with red letters and a red merrowed border) identifying their respective charter locations. Another similarly designed patch reads "Hells Angels". When applicable, members of the club wear a patch denoting their position or rank within the organization. The patch is rectangular and, like those 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 charter location patch. Some members also wear an "AFFA" patch, which stands for "Angels Forever; Forever Angels", referring to their lifelong membership in the club (i.e., "once a member, always a member"). |
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An additional patch worn by select club members consists of two Nazi-style SS lightning bolts below the words "Filthy Few". Some law enforcement officials claim that the "Filthy Few" patch is awarded only to those who have committed or are prepared to commit murder on the club's behalf.{{sfn|Sher|Marsden|2010|p=263}}<ref name="Look Homeward Angel">[https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/look-homeward-angelcycle-icon-sonny-barger-kick-starts-life-as-a-free-man-by-violating-parole-6426227?showFullText=true Look Homeward Angel: Cycle Icon Sonny Barger Kick-Starts Life As A Free Man By Violating Parole] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113234152/https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/look-homeward-angelcycle-icon-sonny-barger-kick-starts-life-as-a-free-man-by-violating-parole-6426227?showFullText=true |date=November 13, 2022 }} Philip Martin, ''[[Phoenix New Times]]'' (December 2, 1992)</ref> Hells Angels have denied this interpretation, however, comparing it instead to a [[award|merit badge]] awarded to those who are "the first to arrive at a party and the last to leave".<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sUZdmDmu_78C&dq=Stephen+Cunningham+hells+angels+gangs+tony+thompson&pg=PT144|title=Gangs: A Journey into the Heart of the British Underworld|isbn=9780340830529|last1=Thompson|first1=Tony|date=February 28, 2005|publisher=Hodder & Stoughton |quote=As soon as he had recovered from the injuries sustained in the car-bombing, Cunningham was back on the Angels social circuit, attending rallies, parties and runs, and generally living the hedonistic biker life. Almost immediately the denim cut-off and leather jacket that bore his colours sported a new patch: two Nazi-style SS lightning bolts below the words 'Filthy Few'. According to the biography of legendary Hells Angel Ralph "Sonny" Barger, president of the Oakland charter, the Filthy Few patch is a piece of harmless fun. 'It means that someone is the first to arrive at a party and the last to leave', he says. In reality the patch is only awarded to Angels who have murdered on behalf of the club — usually in the presence of another member for corroboration — or who are prepared to commit a murder at a moment's notice.|access-date=December 22, 2022|archive-date=April 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412072857/https://books.google.com/books?id=sUZdmDmu_78C&dq=Stephen%20Cunningham%20hells%20angels%20gangs%20tony%20thompson&pg=PT144|url-status=live}}</ref> According to reports from law enforcement and prosecutors, another patch similar to the "Filthy Few" patch is the "Dequiallo" patch.<ref name="Story Behind The Controversial Hell’s Angels">[https://www.heraldweekly.com/the-story-behind-the-controversial-hells-angels/2/?xcmg=1 The Story Behind The Controversial Hell’s Angels] Tammy Ziv, ''[[The Herald Weekly]]'' (October 4, 2022) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115182736/https://www.heraldweekly.com/the-story-behind-the-controversial-hells-angels/2/?xcmg=1 |date=November 15, 2022 }}</ref> "Dequiallo" is a reference to ''[[El Degüello]]'', a [[bugle call]] played by the regimental band of [[Antonio López de Santa Anna]]'s army at the [[Battle of the Alamo]].<ref name="Look Homeward Angel"/> This patch allegedly "signifies that the wearer has fought law enforcement on arrest."<ref name="dequiallo">{{Cite web |title=Over view of the Hell's Angel's Motorcycle Club (HAMC) In Canada: Extracted from Expert Evidence In R. v. Bonner and Lindsay |url=https://www.castanet.net/content/1125014255the.rtf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185326/https://www.castanet.net/content/1125014255the.rtf |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |access-date=August 25, 2022 |website=Castanet}}</ref> There is no common convention as to where the patches are placed on members' jackets/vests. |
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==Activities== |
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[[Image:Hells-angels-logo.jpg|thumb|left|Hells Angels jacket with logo ([[Smithsonian Institution]])]] |
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The Hells Angels [[motorcycle club]] is generally viewed as the epitome of the [[biker]] [[counterculture]] of the [[1960s]]. |
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"Angels Forever, Forever Angels" is also the club's traditional [[motto]].<ref>Frank Reynolds, Michael McClure (1967). ''Freewheelin Frank: Secretary of the Angels'', Grove Press, 1967, p. 73</ref> Other Hells Angels slogans include "When we do right, nobody remembers. When we do wrong, nobody forgets";<ref>Hopper, C. B., & Moore, J. (1990). "Women in outlaw motorcycle gangs". ''Journal of Contemporary Ethnography'', 18(4), p. 385.</ref> "Three can keep a secret if two are dead";<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=2joMvwzikQAC ''Hell's Angels: Three Can Keep a Secret If Two Are Dead''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412072857/https://books.google.com/books?id=2joMvwzikQAC |date=April 12, 2023 }} Yves Lavigne (1989)</ref> and "When in doubt, knock 'em out", which was coined by New York City charter member Vincent "Big Vinny" Girolamo.<ref name="Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs">[https://info.publicintelligence.net/LA-OutlawBikers.pdf Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs] Deputy John Williams, [[Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department]] (2008) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128070159/https://info.publicintelligence.net/LA-OutlawBikers.pdf |date=November 28, 2021 }}</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=8skBAAAAMBAJ&dq=when+in+doubt+knock+em+out+vinny&pg=PA28 Requiem for a Heavyweight] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430040720/https://books.google.com/books?id=8skBAAAAMBAJ&dq=when%20in%20doubt%20knock%20em%20out%20vinny&pg=PA28 |date=April 30, 2023 }} Martha Lagace, ''[[New York (magazine)|New York]]'' (December 16, 1985)</ref> |
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Although the club make strenuous attempts to deny 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' alleged 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'' |
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===Intellectual property rights=== |
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Far less publicized than alleged ''organised crime'' links, is the substantial amount of ''organized charity'' undertaken by The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club internationally. level.<ref>http://www.motorcyclemonster.com/Events/description_pages/12-17-06-hells-angels-toy.htm</ref><ref>http://www.gazette.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/article-en.html?&lang_id=1&article_id=228</ref> |
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The Hells Angels [[Incorporation (business)|incorporated]] in 1966, trademarking the club's name and four symbols.<ref name="Look Homeward Angel"/> The club filed a trademark infringement lawsuit for the first time on October 26, 1989, when the Hells Angels lodged a federal lawsuit in Los Angeles against [[Concorde-New Horizons]], which produced the film ''[[Nam Angels]]'', and against [[Media Home Entertainment]], which distributed the film on video, over infringements on the club's registered trademarks.<ref name="Hells Angels say trademark used without permission">[https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-10-27-me-515-story.html Hells Angels say trademark used without permission] Steve Harvey, ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' (October 27, 1989) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124173255/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-10-27-me-515-story.html |date=November 24, 2022 }}</ref><ref name="Hells Angels sue">[https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/10/26/Hells-Angels-sue-over-alleged-trademark-infringement/5943625377600/ Hells Angels sue over alleged trademark infringement] Dave McNary, [[United Press International]] (October 26, 1989) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20221124172753/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/10/26/Hells-Angels-sue-over-alleged-trademark-infringement/5943625377600/ |date=November 24, 2022 }}</ref> The suit was [[Settlement (litigation)|settled]] out of court.<ref name="Look Homeward Angel"/> |
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According to ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'', the Hells Angels considered seeking an injunction to block the [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]] from broadcasting the miniseries [[The Last Chapter (TV series)|''The Last Chapter'']], because of how closely the biker gang at the center of the series resembled the Hells Angels.<ref name=theglobeandmail2002-03-02/> |
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==Rumours, notoriety and controversy== |
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The Hells Angels have shrouded themselves in a cloud of mystery and controversy, thanks to a very strict code of secrecy between members. |
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In March 2007 the Hells Angels filed suit against the [[Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group]] alleging that its film ''[[Wild Hogs]]'' used both the name and distinctive logo of the HAMC without permission.<ref name=lawsuit>'Litigation against movie release' ''(March 8, 2006)'' and they rule., [http://news.findlaw.com/wsj/docs/disney/hamcdisney30806cmp2.html HAMC vs Walt Disney] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071119075808/http://news.findlaw.com/wsj/docs/disney/hamcdisney30806cmp2.html |date=November 19, 2007 }}</ref> The suit was eventually voluntarily dismissed<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zimbio.com/Hells+Angels/articles/ZBpOOHdjluR/Hells+Angels+Motorcycle+Club+settled+disputes |title=Hells Angels Motorcycle Club settled disputes the old-fashioned way, with a swift kick in the groin or a punch in the face to the offending party. – Hells Angels |publisher=Zimbio |access-date=February 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718155917/http://www.zimbio.com/Hells+Angels/articles/ZBpOOHdjluR/Hells+Angels+Motorcycle+Club+settled+disputes |archive-date=July 18, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> after the Angels received assurances from Disney that the references would not appear in the film.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/caf87e7a-e153-11df-90b7-00144feabdc0.html?ftcamp=rss |title=Companies / Personal Goods – Hells Angels sue luxury fashion house |work=Financial Times |date=October 27, 2010 |access-date=February 15, 2011 |archive-date=October 27, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101027185930/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/caf87e7a-e153-11df-90b7-00144feabdc0.html?ftcamp=rss |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Coupled with its colourful history and members' confirmed links to crime, speculation and rumour is rife, painting the Hells Angels either as modern day legends, free spirited and powerful, or violent criminals and a scourge on society. Accordingly, public opinion varies from respect and hero worship, to deep loathing. |
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On October 7, 2009, Fritz Clapp, attorney at law for the HAMC, contacted online games community FOCO, demanding the removal of all membership marks and club trademarks from the Los Santos Roleplay Forum, a messageboard for the San Andreas Multiplayer modification for ''[[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]]''. While members of the community were skeptical at first, Clapp posted a tweet confirming his identity.<ref name="Los Santos Forum">{{cite web |author=zzfritz, Fritz Clapp |date=October 7, 2009 |title=Re: Hell's Angels skinpack |url=https://forum.ls-rp.io/viewtopic.php?f=225&t=56006&start=15#p811330 |url-access=registration |url-status=dead |access-date=October 7, 2009 |publisher=FOFO Gaming |archive-date=July 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720051804/https://forum.ls-rp.io/viewtopic.php?f=225&t=56006&start=15#p811330 }}</ref><ref name="Fritz Clapp Tweet">{{cite web |author=zzfritz, Fritz Clapp |date=October 7, 2009 |title=Fritz Clapp Tweet |url=http://images.mafiacrime.org/j/5477untitled-4.png |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720052117/http://images.mafiacrime.org/j/5477untitled-4.png |archive-date=July 20, 2018 |access-date=October 7, 2009 |publisher=Twitter}}</ref> |
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==Reported Involvement with Crime== |
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{{expand|section|date=April 2007}} |
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In October 2010 the Hells Angels filed a lawsuit against [[Alexander McQueen (brand)|Alexander McQueen]] for "misusing its trademark winged death heads symbol"<ref>{{cite web |author=Ella Alexander |url=http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/daily/101027-hells-angels-sue-alexander-mcqueen.aspx |title=Hells Angels sue Alexander McQueen |work=Vogue |date=October 27, 2010 |access-date=February 15, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101030145629/http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/daily/101027-hells-angels-sue-alexander-mcqueen.aspx |archive-date=October 30, 2010 }}</ref> in several items from its Autumn/Winter 2010 collection. The lawsuit also aimed at [[Saks Fifth Avenue]] and [[Zappos.com]], which stock the jacquard box dress and knuckle duster ring that bear the symbol, which has been used since at least 1948 and is protected by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. A handbag and scarf were also named in the lawsuit.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/caf87e7a-e153-11df-90b7-00144feabdc0.html |title=Companies / Personal Goods – Hells Angels sue luxury fashion house |work=Financial Times |date=October 27, 2010 |access-date=February 15, 2011 |archive-date=October 30, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101030023827/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/caf87e7a-e153-11df-90b7-00144feabdc0.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The lawyer representing Hells Angels claimed: "This isn't just about money, it's about membership. If you've got one of these rings on, a member might get really upset that you're an impostor."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna39867980 |title=Hells Angels set for rumble on the catwalk - Business - Retail |publisher=NBC News |date=October 27, 2010 |access-date=February 15, 2011 |archive-date=August 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828213600/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna39867980 |url-status=live }}</ref> Saks refused to comment, Zappos had no immediate comment and the company's parent company, PPR, could not be reached for comment.<ref>{{cite news |last=Jeffrey |first=Don |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-10-26/hells-angels-sue-saks-mcqueen-design-over-trademark-update1-.html |title=Hells Angels Sue Saks, McQueen Design, Over Trademark |newspaper=Bloomberg.com |publisher=Bloomberg |date=October 26, 2010 |access-date=February 15, 2011 |archive-date=October 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101031002218/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-10-26/hells-angels-sue-saks-mcqueen-design-over-trademark-update1-.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The company settled the case with the Hells Angels after agreeing to remove all of the merchandise featuring the logo from sale on their website, stores and concessions and recalling any goods that had already been sold and destroying them.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/archive/2010/11/04/mcqueen-settles-with-hell-s-angels.htm |title=Grazia Fashion: McQueen Settles with Hells Angels |publisher=Graziadaily.co.uk |access-date=February 15, 2011 |archive-date=November 7, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101107075747/http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/archive/2010/11/04/mcqueen-settles-with-hell-s-angels.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Verena von Pfetten |url=http://www.styleite.com/media/mcqueen-hells-angels-settlement/ |title=Alexander McQueen – Hell's Angels – SETTLEMENT |publisher=Styleite |date=November 3, 2010 |access-date=February 15, 2011 |archive-date=November 6, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101106033150/http://www.styleite.com/media/mcqueen-hells-angels-settlement/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Cowles |first=Charlotte |url=https://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2010/11/alexander_mcqueen_settles_with.html |title=Alexander McQueen Settles With Hells Angels by Agreeing to Destroy Merchandise With Skull Logo – The Cut |work=New York |date=November 3, 2010 |access-date=February 15, 2011 |archive-date=November 6, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101106003355/http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2010/11/alexander_mcqueen_settles_with.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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===Altamont=== |
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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 (documentary)|Gimme Shelter]]''<ref name=GimmeShelterIMDB1>[[IMDB]], [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065780 Gimmer Shelter (1970)], accessed February 28, 2007</ref> — featuring [[Jefferson Airplane]], [[The Flying Burrito Brothers]], and [[The Rolling Stones]]. The Angels had been hired as crowd security for a fee which was said to include $500 worth of beer. 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 [[Ralph 'Sonny' Barger|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. [[Don McLean]] later alluded to the event in his classic "[[American Pie]]".<ref>Adams, Cecil. [http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3_398b.html "What is Don McLean's song 'American Pie' all about?"] [[Straight Dope]]. [[May 14]], [[1993]]. Retrieved on [[September 25]], [[2006]].</ref> |
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In fall 2012 in the [[United States District Court for the Eastern District of California]], Hells Angels sued [[Toys "R" Us]] for [[trademark infringement]], [[unfair competition]], and [[trademark dilution|dilution]] in relation to the sale of yo-yos manufactured by Yomega Corporation, a co-defendant, which allegedly bear the "Death Head" logo. In its complaint,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/download/gov.uscourts.caed.245536/gov.uscourts.caed.245536.1.0.pdf|title=Attorney for Plaintiff : HELLS ANGELS MOTORCYCLE CORPORATION|access-date=November 30, 2014}}</ref> Hells Angels asserted that the mark on the yo-yos would likely lead people to mistakenly believe that the toys originate with Hells Angels. Yomega filed counterclaims against Hells Angels for cancellation of the "Death Head" registrations on grounds of alleged fraud in the procurement of the registrations.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Weller|first=Susan Neuberger|title=Hells Angels and Toys "R" Us Settle "Death Head" Trademark Litigation|journal=The National Law Review|date=July 12, 2013|url=http://www.natlawreview.com/article/hells-angels-and-toys-r-us-settle-death-head-trademark-litigation|access-date=July 21, 2013|archive-date=November 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106151336/http://www.natlawreview.com/article/hells-angels-and-toys-r-us-settle-death-head-trademark-litigation|url-status=live}}</ref> The case settled and the lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice. |
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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.{{Fact|date=July 2007}} |
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{{As of|December 2013}}, the Hells Angels sells its branded merchandise at a retail store in Toronto, Ontario.<ref name="ABA Journal">{{cite web |url=http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/hells_angels_club_sues_often_to_protect_its_intellectual_property/ |title=Hells Angels club sues often to protect its intellectual property |work=ABA Journal |date=December 3, 2013 |access-date=December 30, 2013 |author=Weiss, Debra Cassens |archive-date=January 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104044540/http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/hells_angels_club_sues_often_to_protect_its_intellectual_property |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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===River Run Riot=== |
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The River Run Riot occurred on [[April 27]], [[2002]], at the [[Harrah's Laughlin|Harrah's Casino & Hotel]] in [[Laughlin, Nevada]]. Members of the Hells Angels and the [[Mongols (motorcycle club)]] 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. |
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In 2019, the Hells Angels sued [[Redbubble]] in the [[Federal Court of Australia]] for infringing on its trademark, launching another suit in 2021 after providing evidence that Redbubble had continued to breach the trademark.<ref>{{cite news |last=Aston |first=Joe |date=September 9, 2021 |title=Redbubble's Hells Angels woes continue |newspaper=Australian Financial Review |url=https://www.afr.com/rear-window/redbubble-s-hells-angels-woes-continue-20210909-p58qae |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=September 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210911041444/https://www.afr.com/rear-window/redbubble-s-hells-angels-woes-continue-20210909-p58qae |archive-date=September 11, 2021}}</ref> The 2019 case concluded with the Hells Angels being awarded $5,000 in damages. In July 2022, in the second ruling against Redbubble, the company was ordered to pay the club more than $78,000.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jul/19/redbubble-ordered-to-pay-hells-angels-more-than-78000-for-using-logo-without-permission Redbubble ordered to pay Hells Angels more than $78,000 for using logo without permission] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129162508/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jul/19/redbubble-ordered-to-pay-hells-angels-more-than-78000-for-using-logo-without-permission |date=January 29, 2023 }} Josh Taylor, ''[[The Guardian]]'' (July 19, 2022)</ref> |
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Attorneys for the group claim they were defending themselves from an attack initiated by the Mongols. |
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==Membership== |
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Charges were dismissed against 36 other Hells Angels originally named in the indictment. <ref>[http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2007/Feb-24-Sat-2007/news/12790293.html Hells Angels get prison terms], accessed [[March 29]], [[2007]]</ref> |
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[[File:Hells Angels-05.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=Hells Angels|left|A club member at a biker gathering in Australia, 2008]] |
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To become a Hells Angels "prospect", candidates must have a valid driver's license, a motorcycle over 750[[Engine displacement|cc]] (46 cu in), and "the right combination of personal qualities." It is said the club excludes [[child molester]]s and people who have applied to become police or [[prison officer]]s.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=2e614f75-9caf-4865-a76b-7b54fbb46590 |title=Behind the Patch: Angels ABCs |first=Neal |last=Hall |work=[[The Vancouver Sun]] |date=June 10, 2005 |access-date=August 13, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100303180935/http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=2e614f75-9caf-4865-a76b-7b54fbb46590 |archive-date=March 3, 2010 }}</ref> Intravenous drug use is also forbidden among club members.<ref name="Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs"/> Members in North America are required to ride U.S.-built motorcycles; [[Harley-Davidson]] bikes are most common in the club, although other American brands, such as [[Victory Motorcycles|Victory]] and [[Indian Motocycle Manufacturing Company|Indian]], are also permitted.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Peter |last=Edwards |date=June 27, 2018 |title=Outlaw bikers say they're loyal to Harley-Davidson, even as Trump's trade policies push the company to look overseas |url=https://www.thestar.com/business/2018/06/27/outlaw-bikers-say-theyre-loyal-to-harley-davidson-even-as-trumps-trade-policies-push-the-company-to-look-overseas.html |access-date=July 1, 2023 |website=[[Toronto Star]] |language=en |archive-date=July 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701052227/https://www.thestar.com/business/2018/06/27/outlaw-bikers-say-theyre-loyal-to-harley-davidson-even-as-trumps-trade-policies-push-the-company-to-look-overseas.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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After a lengthy, phased process, a prospective member is first deemed a "hang-around", indicating that he is invited to some club events or to meet club members at known gathering places.<ref name="Hells Angels movement"/> If the "hang-around" is interested, he may be asked to become an "associate", a status that usually lasts a year or two. At the end of that stage, he is reclassified as "prospect", participating in some club activities, but not having voting privileges while he is evaluated for suitability as a full member. The last phase, and highest membership status, is full membership or "[[Colors (motorcycling)|full-patch]]".<ref name=membership>NDIC Document, [http://cryptome.wikileaks.org/gangs/hells.pdf US Department of Justice Report on OMG HA] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121162336/http://cryptome.wikileaks.org/gangs/hells.pdf |date=November 21, 2021 }}</ref> The term "full-patch" refers to the complete four-piece insignia, including the "Death Head" logo, two rockers (top rocker: "Hells Angels"; bottom rocker: state or territory claimed) and the rectangular "MC" patch below the wing of the Death's Head. Prospects are allowed to wear only a bottom rocker with the state, province or territory name along with the rectangular "MC" patch. |
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===Roberta Shalaby assault=== |
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To become a full member, a "prospect" must be unanimously confirmed by the rest of the full club members.<ref name=bbcbarger /> Before votes are cast, a "prospect" usually travels to every charter in the sponsoring charter's geographic jurisdiction (state, province, or territory) and introduces himself to every "full-patch" member. This allows each voting member to become familiar with the "prospect" and ask any questions of concern before voting. Some form of formal induction follows, wherein the "prospect" affirms his loyalty to the club and its members. The final logo patch (top "Hells Angels" rocker) is then awarded at the initiation ceremony. The step of attaining full membership can be called "being patched". |
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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.<ref>http://www.amny.com/news/local/am-hell013107,0,7706581.story</ref> 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.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/01/nyregion/01angels.html?ref=nyregion</ref> |
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Even after a member is patched in, the patches remain the property of HAMC, not the member. On leaving the Hells Angels or being ejected, a member must return his patches to the club.<ref>''A Wayward Angel: The Full Story of the Hells Angels'' by George Wethern and Vincent Colnett</ref> Members must pay dues, and are required to attend mandatory club meetings and motorcycle runs.<ref name="Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs"/> Charter meetings, known as "church", are typically held at clubhouses or a member's residence. In 1978, members were required to pay $20 per month to the local charter, and $10 per month to the state charter. The money is used by the club to finance motorcycle runs and funerals, and to fund the travel of club officers to state and national meetings. Hells Angels may become exempt from paying dues after a certain period of time as a member of the club.<ref name="Angels Do Not Forget"/> |
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===Canada=== |
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In Canada, the Hells Angels MC was formally established a criminal organization for the period during January 2002: On June 30, 2005, the [[Ontario Superior Court of Justice]] released its verdict in the [[Lindsay Bonner]] matter, which concerned the trial of two Hells Angels members charged with extortion in association with a criminal organization. The court ruled that the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club is a criminal organization: "I am satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that during the time period specified in count two of the indictment, the HAMC as it existed in Canada was a criminal organization. I am satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that both Mr. Lindsay and Mr. Bonner committed the offence of extortion in association with that criminal organization," wrote Fuerst J. in conclusion.<ref>http://www.canlii.org/on/cas/onsc/2005/2005onsc14135.html R. v. Lindsay, 2005</ref> |
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===Racial policies=== |
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In January 2006, Operation Husky resulted in the arrest of twenty-seven suspects,<ref>http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/01/19/biker-busts20060119.html</ref> including five [[Outlaw biker#Appearance|full-patch]] Angels from across Eastern and Central Canada. |
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The club is not officially a racially segregated organization.<ref name="Company1966">{{cite magazine |author=Johnson Publishing Company |magazine=[[Ebony (magazine)|Ebony]] |title=Nazi Emblems of 'Way Outs' Are No Symbols of Hate |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_5q3AoSbTGAC&pg=PA70 |date=December 1966 |page=70 |issn=0012-9011}}</ref><ref>2003 Soul on Bikes: The East Bay Dragons MC and Black Biker Set, Tobie Gene Levingston, with Keith and Kent Zimmerman (St. Paul, MN: Motorbikes International Publishing). The history of the Oakland-based African-American Motorcycle Club with a foreword from Sonny Barger.</ref> In the U.S., at least one charter allegedly requires that a candidate be a white male,<ref>{{cite web|last=Wright |first=Gary L. |url=http://www.journalnow.com/news/local/article_582d987b-07ff-54bf-95ac-ee4b0b95c93e.html?mode=jqm |title=FBI leads crackdown on area Hells Angels gangs in N.C. and S.C. |work=[[Winston-Salem Journal]] |date=June 8, 2012 |access-date=June 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619083719/http://www.journalnow.com/news/local/article_582d987b-07ff-54bf-95ac-ee4b0b95c93e.html?mode=jqm |archive-date=June 19, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Sonny Barger]] said in a 2000 [[BBC]] interview, "The club, as a whole, is not racist but we probably have enough racist members that no black guy is going to get in it."<ref name=bbcbarger>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/873831.stm |date=August 14, 2000 |title=Born to raise Hell |publisher=[[BBC News]] |access-date=February 1, 2013 |archive-date=April 7, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090407082841/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/873831.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> At that time the club had no black members.<ref name=bbcbarger /> |
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A few nonwhite members have been noted in the United States. In 1967, [[Hunter S. Thompson]] remarked upon a "Chinese Mel from [San Francisco] and Charley, a young black person from Oakland".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Thompson |first=Hunter S. |author-link=Hunter S. Thompson |title=[[Hell's Angels: The Strange and Terrible Saga of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs]] |publisher=[[Random House]] |year=1967 |page=160 |isbn=978-0-345-28908-7}}</ref> Steven Wayne Yee, a Chinese-American member of the Hells Angels' Cleveland charter, was [[Hells Angels MC criminal allegations and incidents#Ohio|convicted of murder]] in 1990.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Coleman |first1=Howard |last2=Swenson |first2=Eric |title=DNA in the Courtroom: A Trial Watcher's Guide |publisher=GeneLex |year=1994 |isbn=978-0-9644507-0-7 |pages=8–9}}</ref><ref>{{Cite court |litigants=United States v. Bonds, Verdi and Yee |vol=12 |reporter=F.3d |opinion=540 |pinpoint=8 |court=6th Cir. |date=1993 |url=https://law.resource.org/pub/us/case/reporter/F3/012/12.F3d.540.91-3610.91-3609.91-3608.html |quote=They had found Yee to be of Chinese ancestry |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109043951/https://law.resource.org/pub/us/case/reporter/F3/012/12.F3d.540.91-3610.91-3609.91-3608.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Satan's Angels MC in [[Vancouver]] had a black member when it merged with the Hells Angels in 1983. The San Francisco and [[Anchorage]] charters threatened to have the Vancouver charter expelled from the club when they learned of the situation; the matter was ultimately resolved when the man changed his nationality to "[[Native Hawaiians|Hawaiian]]".<ref name="Overview"/> An unsanctioned Hells Angels charter in [[Windsor, Berkshire|Windsor]], England was granted official status in 1985 shortly after its only black member, John Mikkelsen, had died in police custody.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sUZdmDmu_78C&dq=Stephen+Cunningham+hells+angels+gangs+tony+thompson&pg=PT144|title=Gangs: A Journey into the Heart of the British Underworld|isbn=9780340830529|last1=Thompson|first1=Tony|date=February 28, 2005|publisher=Hodder & Stoughton |quote=In 1980 a group of Angels ambushed members of the 'bootleg' Windsor chapter and shot its leader, Richard Sharman, in the head three times. Miraculously, he survived. The attack had come about because, despite dressing themselves in close copies of the official Hells Angels colours, the Windsor chapter had never applied for an official chapter. Started up by local rockers, they were only accepted into the official fold in 1985 shortly after one of the members, John Mikkelsen, died in police custody. The fact that Mikkelsen was black — an official Angels taboo — had played a significant part in club failing to be sanctioned earlier.|access-date=December 22, 2022|archive-date=August 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828213600/https://books.google.com/books?id=sUZdmDmu_78C&dq=Stephen+Cunningham+hells+angels+gangs+tony+thompson&pg=PT144|url-status=live}}</ref> Another notable is [[Gregory Woolley]], a high-ranking member of the Rockers MC in Montreal who was the protégé<ref>{{cite web |author=Eric Thibault |publisher=Sunnewsnetwork.ca |url=http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/canada/archives/2012/08/20120816-121421.html |title=Sun News : Dead gang leader rebuffed top biker prior to assassination: Source |date=August 16, 2012 |access-date=June 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130107082230/http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/canada/archives/2012/08/20120816-121421.html |archive-date=January 7, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and bodyguard of Hells Angel boss [[Maurice Boucher]] (who spent five years in a notoriously white-supremacist motorcycle gang, the SS). Woolley became an associate of the Hells Angels Montreal charter<ref>{{cite web |title=Montreal police try to calm mafia war fears after multiple killings |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/276626/montreal-police-try-to-calm-mafia-war-fears-after-multiple-killings/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323045622/http://www.globalmontreal.com/montreal%2Bpolice%2Btry%2Bto%2Bcalm%2Bmafia%2Bwar%2Bfears%2Bafter%2Bmultiple%2Bkillings/6442697790/story.html |archive-date=March 23, 2013 |access-date=June 18, 2013 |website=Global News |publisher=Global Montreal }}</ref> in the 1990s and later tried uniting street gangs in Quebec after Boucher was imprisoned.<ref>{{cite web |author=Giuseppe Valiante |publisher=Sunnewsnetwork.ca |url=http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/canada/archives/2012/11/20121102-181330.html |title=Sun News : Bust shows connections in criminal underworld in Canada |access-date=June 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103205534/http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/canada/archives/2012/11/20121102-181330.html |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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The Lindsay Bonner verdict established that the Hells Angels, at least in the eyes of the Canadian judicial system, were a criminal organization, for the period specified in the indicment, within the meaning of the [[Canadian Criminal Code]]. "A declaration of this nature against the Hells Angels had not been made in Canada, or elsewhere," stated Det. Sgt. Alec Ovenden, when commenting on the global significance of such a verdict to the [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]] ''Gazette''.<ref>RCMP Gazette, [http://gazette.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/print.php?&article_id=212&page_id=51&lang_id=1 Behind the anti-gang law]</ref> In para. 1079 of R. v. Lindsay, 2005, the court discusses the Hells Angels as a criminal organization: "It is a reasonable inference from the evidence and one that I draw that one of the main activities of the HAMC as it existed in Canada during the relevant time period, January 2002, was the commission of one or more serious offenses for the economic benefit of its members, in particular [[drug trafficking]]. I am satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt of this element<ref>[http://www.canlii.org/ca/sta/c-46/sec467.1.html s. 467.1]</ref>." |
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In another interview with Barger in 2000, he said, "if you're a motorcycle rider and you're white, you want to join the Hells Angels. If you're black, you want to join the [[East Bay Dragons MC|Dragons]]. That's how it is whether anyone likes it or not. We don't have no blacks and they don't have no whites."<ref name="pdr.autono.net">{{cite web |url=http://pdr.autono.net/SonnyBarger.html |title=Sonny Barger Interview |publisher=Let Them Talk |access-date=June 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730055548/http://pdr.autono.net/SonnyBarger.html |archive-date=July 30, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> When asked whether that could change, Barger replied, "Anything can change. I can't predict the future."<ref name="pdr.autono.net" /> Tobie Levingston, who formed the black motorcycle club East Bay Dragons MC, wrote in his book that he and Barger have a long-lasting friendship and that the Hells Angels and Dragons have a mutual friendship and hang out and ride together.<ref>{{cite book |title=Soul on Bikes: Tobie Levingston: 9780760317471: Amazon.com: Books |isbn=076031747X |last1=Levingston |first1=Tobie Gene |last2=Zimmerman |first2=Keith |year=2003|publisher=MBI Publishing Company }}</ref> |
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===Ontario=== |
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===Downtown Toronto Hells Angels Clubhouse=== |
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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.<ref>[http://www.torontofokus.com/order.html]</ref> 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.<ref>[http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070407/blog_biker_raids_070407/20070407?hub=CTVNewsAt11 Lawyer shocked by possible biker raid leak]</ref> |
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In a 1966 ''[[Ebony magazine|Ebony]]'' article about motorcycle rebels in the African-American community, the [[Chosen Few Motorcycle Club]] said that they see no racial animosity in the Hells Angels and that when they come into Chosen Few territory they all get together and party.<ref name="Company1966b">{{cite magazine |author=Johnson Publishing Company |magazine=[[Ebony (magazine)|Ebony]] |title=Nazi Emblems of 'Way Outs' Are No Symbols of Hate |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_5q3AoSbTGAC&pg=PA66 |date=December 1966 |page=66 |issn=0012-9011}}</ref> A Hells Angel member interviewed for the magazine insisted there was no racial prejudice in any of their clubs. He said, "we don't have any Negro members", but maintained that no blacks have sought membership.<ref name="Company1966b" /> At one point in the 1970s, the Hells Angels sought to consolidate the various motorcycle clubs and offered every member of the Chosen Few a Hells Angels patch, an offer that was declined.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chosenfewbuffalony.com/ |title=Chosen Few Motorcycle Club - Buffalo, NY |publisher=Chosenfewbuffalony.com |access-date=June 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525154115/http://www.chosenfewbuffalony.com/ |archive-date=May 25, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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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.<ref>[http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/crime_biker_raids]</ref> 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.<ref>[http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_9466.aspx]</ref> |
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==Organization== |
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===Project Tandem=== |
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[[File:Hells Angels-02-MJ.jpg|thumb|Hells Angels clubhouse in [[Oakland, California]]]] |
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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.<ref>[http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1159480211356&call_pageid=968332188492&col=968793972154&t=TS_Home The Star]</ref> In a related story, the [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|CBC]] News service stated that [[Toronto]] hosts the highest concentration of Hells Angels in the world.<ref>http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2006/09/28/raids-gangs.html</ref> 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,<ref>http://www.canlii.org/ca/sta/c-46/sec462.3.html</ref> police also seized controlled substances including: 13 kilograms of [[cocaine]], 50,000 [[MDMA|ecstasy]] pills, 23 kilograms of [[marijuana]] and about two kilograms each of [[hashish]] and [[crystal meth]].<ref>[http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/29092006/2/national-serious-blow-dealt-hells-angels-massive-raids-arrests-police.html Yahoo]</ref> |
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The Hells Angels became the first notarized and organized outlaw motorcycle club, and the biker clubs formed subsequently have reportedly imitated the Angels' insignias, rules, doctrines and rituals.<ref name="Angels Do Not Forget"/> Hells Angels charters are governed by an officer corps, consisting of a president, vice president, secretary/treasurer, [[sergeant-at-arms]] and road captain.<ref name="Angels Do Not Forget"/> Charters are composed of between ten and twelve members on average.<ref name="NW Clubhouse">[https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19940523&slug=1912018 Police Say Hells Angels Establishing Its First NW Clubhouse In Spokane] ''[[The Seattle Times]]'' (May 23, 1994) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904233850/https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19940523&slug=1912018 |date=September 4, 2023 }}</ref> Each charter has autonomy regarding member discipline and minor policy changes.<ref name="Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs"/> |
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In contrast to other prominent motorcycle clubs in the United States, the Hells Angels organization is not headed by a national or international president; it is instead governed by regional officers, who are each chosen to represent a collective of localized charters at monthly regional meetings. Regional officers are divided into two groups: those who attend the West Coast Officers Meeting ("WesCOM") to conduct the policy, actions, and affairs of the Hells Angels' charters in the Western United States, and those who attend the East Coast Officers Meeting ("ECOM") to govern the charters in the Eastern United States.<ref name="Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs"/> The dividing point of the east and west regions is [[Omaha, Nebraska]].<ref name="Organized Crime in America">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=12hHAwjxXgYC&dq=hells+angels+east+of+omaha&pg=PA421|author=United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary|isbn=|title=Organized Crime in America: Hearings Before the Committee on the Judiciary|date=1993|publisher=|access-date=October 30, 2023|archive-date=February 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227091943/https://books.google.com/books?id=12hHAwjxXgYC&dq=hells+angels+east+of+omaha&pg=PA421|url-status=live}}</ref> In states with multiple charters, weekly state meetings are also held in addition to charter meetings.<ref name="Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs"/> |
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===Quebec=== |
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[[Maurice Boucher]] (aka Mom) is the alleged leader of the [[Quebec]] Chapters and head of the [[Nomads motorcycle gang|Nomads]], an associated motorcycle club. He is currently in [[prison]], having been convicted on two counts of first-degree murder. In [[May]] [[2002]], Boucher received an automatic life sentence, with no possibility of [[parole]] for at least 25 years. In [[Montréal]], the [[French-Canadian]] Hell's Angels, along with the Irish [[West End Gang]] and the Italian [[Vito Rizzuto|Sixth Family]] form the [[Montréal Consortium]], an analog of the [[Five Families]] of [[New York]]. |
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Although the Hells Angels have no official "mother charter ", the club's ''de facto'' national headquarters remained in its founding location of [[San Bernardino, California]] until club founder Otto Friedli was imprisoned in 1958.<ref name="Look Homeward Angel"/><ref name="Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs"/> The club's unofficial headquarters was then relocated to [[Oakland, California]] by [[Sonny Barger]], who succeeded Friedli as the Hells Angels' ''de facto'' national president.<ref name="Angels Do Not Forget"/> The Oakland charter has traditionally been able to maintain a preeminent position as "[[first among equals]]" because it has the largest membership of any charter the United States and because of Barger's esteem among club members internationally.<ref name="Overview">[https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/Digitization/147691NCJRS.pdf Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs USA Overview] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221104124220/https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/Digitization/147691NCJRS.pdf |date=November 4, 2022 }} [[National Institute of Justice]] (1991) {{Cite web |url=https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/Digitization/147691NCJRS.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=March 25, 2022 |archive-date=January 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123220851/https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/Digitization/147691NCJRS.pdf |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> The Oakland charter is responsible for making major decisions within the club and granting new charters. Any motorcycle club seeking to join to the Hells Angels must apply to the Oakland charter for membership, and the applicant club must be monitored and approved of by the Oakland Hells Angels before being granted membership.<ref name="Angels Do Not Forget"/> |
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===British Columbia=== |
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In late [[2004]] to [[2005]], the culmination of investigations into the actions of the [[Motorcycle club|Outlaw Motorcycle Gang]] lead to charges against 45 Hell's Angels and other associates of the gang, including 17 [[Outlaw biker#Appearance|full-patch]] Hell's Angels members, and a chapter president.<ref name=charges>'45 Charged', [http://www.primetimecrime.com/Articles/Media%20Articles/20050930VS.htm Vancouver Sun: 45 Hells Angles Charged]</ref> One of the investigations which brought the majority of arrests, and created a significant media impact, was Project E-Pandora<ref name=epandora>'E-Pandora', [http://www.rcmp-bcmedia.ca/printablepressrelease.jsp?vRelease=7823 Project E-Pandora News Release]</ref>, a 23 month covert investigation. The investigative task force for Project E-Pandora was launched in August 2003, and involved the [[RCMP "E" Division|RCMP]], the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-BC) and the [[Vancouver Police Department]].<ref name=gazette>RCMP Gazette, [http://gazette.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/print.php?&article_id=225&page_id=51&lang_id=1 Winning the PR war].</ref> The project concluded with 12 search warrants and the arrests of 17 and charges of 18 individuals.<ref name=epandora/> |
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In New York state, the HAMC is incorporated as the Church of Angels, a [[Nonprofit organization|nonprofit religious organization]].<ref>[https://www.amny.com/news/hells-angels-ex-clubhouse-now-a-hot-property/ Hells Angels ex-clubhouse now a hot property] Mary Reinholz, ''[[AM New York Metro]]'' (March 26, 2019) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003175333/https://www.amny.com/news/hells-angels-ex-clubhouse-now-a-hot-property/ |date=October 3, 2021 }}</ref> |
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In total, investigators seized<ref name=epandora/>: |
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===Worldwide charters=== |
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1 - in excess of 20 kilograms of [[methamphetamine]] |
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[[File:Hells Angels clubhouse East Village.jpg|thumb|right|The former Hells Angels clubhouse at 77 East 3rd Street in the [[East Village, Manhattan|East Village]] neighborhood of [[Manhattan]], New York City]] |
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The HAMC acknowledges more than 100 charters in over 29 countries. New Zealand had the first charter of the Hells Angels outside the United States; the club founded a charter in [[Auckland]] in 1961, and has since taken over gangs in [[Whanganui]].<ref name="Kemp, p 50">Kemp, p 50</ref> Europe did not become widely home to the Hells Angels until 1969 when two London charters were formed. [[The Beatles]]' [[George Harrison]] invited some members of the HAMC San Francisco to stay at [[Apple Records]] in London in 1968.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.beatlesbible.com/gallery/george-harrison/681204_george-harrison-hells-angels-memo-apple/ |title=George Harrison's memo to Apple staff about the Hell's Angels, 4 December 1968 |publisher=Beatlesbible.com |date=December 4, 1968 |access-date=November 6, 2013 |archive-date=February 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221233158/http://www.beatlesbible.com/gallery/george-harrison/681204_george-harrison-hells-angels-memo-apple/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>Pg. 129, Rock Scully, David Dalton, "Living with the Dead: Twenty Years on the Bus with Garcia and the Grateful Dead", Cooper Square Publ Inc, 2001 {{ISBN|978-0-8154-1163-5}}</ref> According to Chris O'Dell, only two members showed up, Frisco Pete and Bill "Sweet William" Fritsch.<ref>{{cite book |page=[https://archive.org/details/missodellmyhardd00odel/page/68 68] |author=Chris O'Dell |title=Miss O'Dell: My Hard Days and Long Nights with The Beatles, The Stones, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and the Women They Loved |publisher=Simon and Schuster |url=https://archive.org/details/missodellmyhardd00odel |url-access=registration |quote=george harrison hell's angels. |isbn=978-1416590934 |date=October 6, 2009}}</ref> Two people from London visited California, "prospected", and ultimately joined. Two charters were issued on July 30, 1969; one for "South London"—the reimagined charter renewing the already existing 1950 South London charter—and the other for "East London", but by 1973 the two charters came together as one, called "London". The London Angels provided security at a number of [[United Kingdom Underground|UK Underground]] festivals, including [[Phun City]] in 1970, organized by [[Mick Farren]]. They awarded Farren an "approval patch" in 1970 for use on his first solo album ''Mona'', which also featured [[Steve Peregrin Took]] (credited as "Shagrat the Vagrant").<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hellsangelslondon.com/history.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090509075008/http://www.hellsangelslondon.com/history.php |archive-date=May 9, 2009 |title=Hells Angels MC London History}}</ref> |
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2 - in excess of 20 kilograms of [[cocaine]] |
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In 1977, the Hells Angels arrived in Canada with the [[Popeye Moto Club]] patching over to form the Hells Angels' [[Montreal]] charter.<ref name="How the Hells Angels Conquered Canada">[https://www.vice.com/en/article/bn3vnq/how-the-hells-angels-conquered-canada How the Hells Angels Conquered Canada] Patrick Lejtenyi, ''[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]]'' (October 27, 2016) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217225535/https://www.vice.com/en/article/bn3vnq/how-the-hells-angels-conquered-canada |date=February 17, 2022 }}</ref> During the 1980s and 1990s, there was a major expansion of the club into the rest of Canada. The [[Quebec Biker War]] was a violent turf war that began in 1994 and continued until late 2002 in Quebec. The war began when the Hells Angels in Quebec began to try to establish a monopoly on street-level drug sales in Quebec. Many drug dealers and crime families resisted and established groups such as the "Alliance to fight the Angels", led by the [[Rock Machine]]. The war resulted in the bombings of many establishments and murders on both sides. More than 160 people died, over 300 were injured,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/biker-gangs-in-canada-1.775978|title=Biker gangs in Canada|date=July 13, 2011|publisher=Cbc.ca|access-date=November 30, 2014|archive-date=April 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429204913/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/biker-gangs-in-canada-1.775978|url-status=live}}</ref> and over 100 bikers were incarcerated.<ref>{{cite web|title=Organized Crime in Canada: A Quarterly Summary|url=http://www.yorku.ca/nathanson/CurrentEvents/2002_Q1.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090208094237/http://www.yorku.ca/nathanson/CurrentEvents/2002_Q1.htm|archive-date=February 8, 2009}}</ref> |
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3 - in excess of 70 kilograms of [[marijuana]] |
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Members of the Spanish charter were involved in a killing and tried.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.es/local-alicante/20140114/abci-condenados-nueve-motoristas-angeles-201401141805.html|title=Condenados nueve motoristas de los "Ángeles del Infierno" a 67 años de prisión|date=January 14, 2014|website=abc|language=es|access-date=June 26, 2019}}</ref> |
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4 - Restricted and Prohibited Weapons which include 5 Handguns, fully [[Automatic firearm|automatic weapons]] including [[Suppressor|silencers]], 11 sticks of [[dynamite]] with [[Detonating cord|detonation cord]] and [[blasting cap]]s, 4 [[grenades]] and an assortment of [[ammunition]] |
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A list of acknowledged charters can be found on the HAMC's official website.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://affa.hells-angels.com/charters/|title=Hells Angels MC World|publisher=Hells-angels.com|access-date=February 15, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109120634/http://affa.hells-angels.com/charters/|archive-date=January 9, 2015}}</ref> |
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5 - in excess of $200,000 Canadian currency |
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=== Support clubs === |
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6 - 250 kilograms of [[Methylamine]] (a precursor for the production of [[MDMA|ecstacy]]) |
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{{Main|List of Hells Angels support clubs}} |
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Hells Angels chapters often oversee smaller motorcycle clubs within their locality, known as [[support club]]s or "puppet" clubs.<ref name=Barker1>{{Citation |title=One Percent Biker Clubs -- A Description |last=Barker |first=Tom |periodical=Trends in Organized Crime |publisher=Springer New York |issn=1084-4791 |volume=9 |issue= 1 |date=September 2005 |doi=10.1007/s12117-005-1005-0 |pages=101–112 |s2cid=144003167 |quote=Puppet Clubs. In addition to the Big 5 and the Independent clubs there are also "puppet" clubs that do the bidding of the larger clubs, act as potential recruiting sources, serve as cannon fodder in the wars between clubs, and give a portion of their illegal gains to the larger club. The Red Devils MC is well known as a puppet club for the HAMC as are the Black Pistons MC as a puppet club for the Outlaws. The Outlaw Nation and the Bandido Nation list their puppet clubs on their national websites. }}</ref><ref>{{Citation |
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7 - 2 [[methamphetamine]] laboratories |
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|title=Police fear club linked to Hells Angels |
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|author=The Vancouver Sun |
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|date=May 28, 2006 |
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|newspaper=[[The Vancouver Sun]] |
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|url=http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/story.html?id=5a89ce62-1cb9-40a6-88c5-34acb71cfec6&k=73400 |
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|url-status=dead |
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|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080419005056/http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/story.html?id=5a89ce62-1cb9-40a6-88c5-34acb71cfec6&k=73400 |
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|archivedate=April 19, 2008 |
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}}</ref> These clubs serve as a potential source of recruitment and earnings for the Hells Angels, and, according to law enforcement, carry out crimes on the Hells Angels' behalf in order to shield the Hells Angels from scrutiny.<ref name=Barker1/><ref name="How the Hells Angels maintain their influence">[https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/thunder-bay-biker-gangs-1.6506885 How the Hells Angels maintain their influence without a chapter in cities like Thunder Bay] Chris Ketonen, [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]] (July 4, 2022) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704093330/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/thunder-bay-biker-gangs-1.6506885 |date=July 4, 2022 }}</ref> The Hells Angels also use support clubs to establish an initial presence in an area before forming a full-fledged charter.<ref name="Show them the money">[https://lfpress.com/news/local-news/hells-angels-moving-to-more-mafia-like-organization-as-profit-trumps-biker-lifestyle Show them the money: Profit, contacts trump biker lifestyle as Hells Angels evolve] Dale Carruthers, ''[[The London Free Press]]'' (June 6, 2024) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240609053304/https://lfpress.com/news/local-news/hells-angels-moving-to-more-mafia-like-organization-as-profit-trumps-biker-lifestyle |date=June 9, 2024 }}</ref> Support clubs may be established for the sole purpose of providing assistance to the Hells Angels, or begin as independent clubs before coming under the Hells Angels' control.<ref name="Show them the money"/> Such clubs may maintain relations with the Hells Angels for protection or to bolster their reputation.<ref name="Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs: Aspects of the One-Percenter Culture for Emergency Department Personnel to Consider">[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4100862/ Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs: Aspects of the One-Percenter Culture for Emergency Department Personnel to Consider] Anand N. Bosmia, James F. Quinn, Todd B. Peterson, Christoph J. Griessenauer, and R. Shane Tubbs, [[United States National Library of Medicine]] (July 15, 2014) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912211254/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4100862/ |date=September 12, 2022 }}</ref> Members of puppet clubs attend Hells Angels events and associate with Hells Angels at gatherings.<ref name="How the Hells Angels maintain their influence"/> Puppet club members are also permitted to wear a diamond-shaped "81" [[Embroidered patch|patch]] on their vests, which indicates their adherence to the Hells Angels.<ref name="How the Hells Angels maintain their influence"/><ref name="Preventing organised crime">[https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12117-017-9322-7 Preventing organised crime originating from outlaw motorcycle clubs] Tore Bjørgo, [[Springer Science+Business Media]] (October 30, 2017) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614192556/https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12117-017-9322-7 |date=June 14, 2018 }}</ref> |
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The [[Red Devils Motorcycle Club]], a biker group with chapters in nearly 20 countries, is the official and most prominent support club of the Hells Angels.<ref name="Emergence of Canada's Red Devils">[https://www.vice.com/en/article/emergence-of-canadian-red-devils-signals-hells-angels-resurgence-in-quebec-901/ The Emergence of Canada's Red Devils Motorcycle Gang Signals a Hells Angels Resurgence in Quebec] Remi L. Roy, ''[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]]'' (May 13, 2015) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108180841/https://www.vice.com/en/article/exqdqj/emergence-of-canadian-red-devils-signals-hells-angels-resurgence-in-quebec-901 |date=November 8, 2020 }}</ref><ref name="Nova Scotia police">[https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/police-hells-angels-biker-gangs-outlaws-crime-1.5924387 Nova Scotia police troubled as Outlaws biker gang moves into Hells Angels turf] David Burke, [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]] (March 2, 2021) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302175252/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/police-hells-angels-biker-gangs-outlaws-crime-1.5924387 |date=March 2, 2021 }}</ref><ref name="Biker gang's patch">[https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/man-tied-to-hells-angels-on-trial-for-alleged-extortion-in-cote-des-neiges Biker gang's patch used in alleged extortion attempt, Montreal court told] Paul Cherry, ''[[The Gazette (Montreal)|The Gazette]]'' (May 3, 2023) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20240910024208/https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/man-tied-to-hells-angels-on-trial-for-alleged-extortion-in-cote-des-neiges#selection-2183.0-2186.0 |date=September 10, 2024 }}</ref> The Hells Angels have more than two dozen support clubs in Canada.<ref name="Show them the money"/> In Norway, the Hells Angels have built up a network of support clubs over which they exert control and hold responsibility for administering three-piece back patches.<ref name="Preventing organised crime"/> The Hells Angels have also formed support groups, such as [[AK81]] in Denmark and the {{interlanguage link|Red & White Crew|sv}} in Sweden, which consist of young males who do not own motorcycles.<ref name="Preventing organised crime"/> |
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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.<ref name=gazette/> |
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===Club mergers=== |
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Other investigations include ''Project Develop''<ref name=develop>'Project Develop', [http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Forty_Hells_Angels_locations_in_Canada_raided_by_police 'Project Develop' 40 HA locations raided]</ref>, a joint 18-month investigation with [[Ontario]], [[New Brunswick]], and [[British Columbia]]; ''Project Husky''<ref name=husky>'Project Husky', [http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060118/biker_arrests_060118?s_name=&no_ads= 'Project Husky' arrests 27 Hells Angels members]</ref>, a two-year investigation involving police forces in [[Ontario]], [[Quebec]] and [[Alberta]]; and ''Project Koker''<ref name=koker>'Project Koker', [http://www.rcmp.ca/ab/news/2006/Edmonton_KOKER1_Nov28-06.htm Eighteen Charged in 'Project Koker']</ref>, 23-month investigation in [[Edmonton]] and [[Calgary]]. |
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Over the years, the Hells Angels have amalgamated a number of smaller outlaw motorcycle clubs in a process known as a "patch-over".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=John |date=May 2010 |title=Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs |url=https://info.publicintelligence.net/LA-OutlawBikers.pdf |access-date=October 15, 2022 |website=publicintelligence.net |archive-date=November 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128070159/https://info.publicintelligence.net/LA-OutlawBikers.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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Hell's Angels chapters (and their puppet affiliate clubs 'Nomads' and 'Renegades') in [[British Columbia]] include [[Vancouver|Vancouver's]] East End, [[White Rock, British Columbia|White Rock]], [[Coquitlam, British Columbia|Coquitlam]], [[Nanaimo, British Columbia|Nanaimo]], [[Kelowna, British Columbia|Kelowna]], and [[Prince George, British Columbia|Prince George]]. |
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|+ Hells Angels club mergers |
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|- |
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! Year !! Location !! Original Club/Charter !! Hells Angels Charter !! References |
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|- |
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| 1967 || rowspan=3 | United States || Animals MC <br> Gooses MC || Hells Angels Cleveland || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/red-all-over-a-former-cleveland-hells-angel-and-confidential-informants-path-from-destruction-to-redemption-and-back/Content?oid=3674079|title=The Last Ride of a Cleveland Hells Angel Informant|first=Vince|last=Grzegorek|website=Cleveland Scene|access-date=August 17, 2021|archive-date=August 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805003419/https://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/red-all-over-a-former-cleveland-hells-angel-and-confidential-informants-path-from-destruction-to-redemption-and-back/Content?oid=3674079|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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|- |
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| rowspan=2 | 1969 || Aliens MC Nomads || Hells Angels New York City || <ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vG4bfGwXZNIC&q=Donald+Picard+hells+angels&pg=PT42|title=Fallen Angel: The Unlikely Rise of Walter Stadnick and the Canadian Hells Angels|first=Jerry|last=Langton|date=December 17, 2009|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=9780470739945|via=Google Books|access-date=October 18, 2021|archive-date=August 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828213601/https://books.google.com/books?id=vG4bfGwXZNIC&q=Donald+Picard+hells+angels&pg=PT42|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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|- |
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| Hackers MC || Hells Angels Rochester || <ref name=" Angels think they get an unfair rap">[https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle/83302702/ Angels think they get an unfair rap from police, society] Richard Zitrin and Sherry Jacobson, ''[[Democrat and Chronicle]]'' (August 23, 1980) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907200807/https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle/83302702/ |date=September 7, 2024 }}</ref> |
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|- |
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| rowspan=2 | 1973 || Germany || Bloody Devils MC || Hells Angels Hamburg || <ref name="Spießer ärgern, saufen, randalieren">[https://www.zeit.de/hamburg/2014-05/rocker-szene-hamburg/seite-2 Rocker in Hamburg: Spießer ärgern, saufen, randalieren] ''[[Die Zeit]]'' (June 19, 2014) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140623151636/https://www.zeit.de/hamburg/2014-05/rocker-szene-hamburg/seite-2 |date=June 23, 2014 }}</ref> |
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|- |
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| rowspan=3 | United States || Storm Troopers MC || Hells Angels Durham || <ref name="Carolinas Clubs (Continued from 1A)">[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer/146093298/ Carolinas Clubs Run On Drugs, Sex, Death (Continued from Page 1A)] Robin Clark and Tex O'Neill, ''[[The Charlotte Observer]]'' (August 16, 1981) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907022340/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer/146093298/ |date=September 7, 2024 }}</ref> |
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|- |
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| 1975 || Grateful Dead MC || Hells Angels Bridgeport || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-xpm-2006-04-09-0604090711-story.html|title=BIKERS MOBILIZE FOR A GOODBYE|first=ELIZABETH HAMILTON; Courant Staff|last=Writer|website=courant.com|date=April 9, 2006|access-date=August 19, 2021|archive-date=July 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707235100/https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-xpm-2006-04-09-0604090711-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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|- |
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| 1976 || Tribulators MC || Hells Angels Charleston || <ref name="Carolinas Clubs (Continued from 1A)"/> |
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|- |
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| 1977 || Canada || [[Popeye Moto Club|Popeye MC]] || Hells Angels North (Montreal) || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://onepercenterbikers.com/popeyes-mc-motorcycle-club/|title=Popeyes MC (Motorcycle Club)|date=September 30, 2017|website=One Percenter Bikers|access-date=August 17, 2021|archive-date=October 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018031650/https://onepercenterbikers.com/popeyes-mc-motorcycle-club/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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| rowspan=3 | 1978 || rowspan=2 | United States || Satan's Slaves MC || Hells Angels San Fernando Valley || <ref name="Haunted biker">[https://www.syfy.com/paranormal-witness/season-5/blogs/the-origins-of-paranormal-witness-haunted-outlaw-biker The origins of Paranormal Witness' haunted outlaw biker] Bryan Enk, [[Syfy]] (September 21, 2016) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20221129005648/https://www.syfy.com/paranormal-witness/season-5/blogs/the-origins-of-paranormal-witness-haunted-outlaw-biker |date=November 29, 2022 }}</ref> |
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| Tar Heel Stompers MC || Hells Angels Charlotte || <ref name="Carolinas Clubs (Continued from 1A)"/> |
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| Netherlands || Kreidler Ploeg Oost || Hells Angels Amsterdam || <ref name="HAMC in the Low Countries">{{Cite book |title=Hells Angels in de Lage Landen |first=Leo |last=Burgwal |date=September 1, 2012 |publisher=Just Publishers & Panorama |isbn=9789089752109}}</ref> |
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| 1979 || United States || Original Jokers MC || Hells Angels Winston-Salem || <ref name="Carolinas Clubs (Continued from 1A)"/> |
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| rowspan=2 | 1980 || Netherlands || Mad Dogs || Hells Angels Haarlem || <ref name="HAMC in the Low Countries" /> |
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| Denmark || Unionen MC || Hells Angels Copenhagen || <ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Cq5jDgAAQBAJ&q=hells+angels+copenhagen+1980+unionen&pg=PT57|title=Englenes gerninger|first=Ambro|last=Kragh|date=April 10, 2017|publisher=Gyldendal A/S|isbn=9788702226904|via=Google Books|access-date=October 18, 2021|archive-date=August 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828213701/https://books.google.com/books?id=Cq5jDgAAQBAJ&q=hells+angels+copenhagen+1980+unionen&pg=PT57|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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| 1982 || Spain || || Hells Angels Spain || <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://sevilla.abc.es/andalucia/malaga/sevi-detenidos-tres-angeles-infierno-marbella-operacion-internacional-contra-trafico-drogas-202110101222_noticia.html |title=Detenidos tres ángeles del infierno en Marbella en una operación internacional contra el tráfico de drogas |date=October 10, 2021 |access-date=February 21, 2022 |archive-date=March 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307143824/https://sevilla.abc.es/andalucia/malaga/sevi-detenidos-tres-angeles-infierno-marbella-operacion-internacional-contra-trafico-drogas-202110101222_noticia.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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| rowspan=2 | 1982 || rowspan=2 | United States || [[Grim Reapers Motorcycle Club (USA)|Grim Reapers MC]] Minneapolis || Hells Angels Minneapolis || <ref name="Secrets of the Hells Angels 6">{{cite episode |title = Midwest Meth Madness |series = Secrets of the Hells Angels |series-link = |network = [[A&E (TV network)|A&E]] |date = May 18, 2024 |season = 1 |number = 6 }}</ref> |
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| Brothers MC || Hells Angels Anchorage || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/las-vegas-sun-jan-16-1977-p-2/|title=Las Vegas Sun Newspaper Archives, Jan 16, 1977, p. 2|date=January 16, 1977|website=NewspaperArchive.com|access-date=August 17, 2021|archive-date=May 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504213910/https://newspaperarchive.com/las-vegas-sun-jan-16-1977-p-2/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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| 1983 || rowspan=3 | Canada || Satan's Angels MC || Hells Angels Vancouver || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/crime/hells-angels-still-expanding-after-35-years-in-b-c|title=Hells Angels still expanding after 35 years in B.C.|website=vancouversun|access-date=August 17, 2021|archive-date=August 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801181448/https://vancouversun.com/news/crime/hells-angels-still-expanding-after-35-years-in-b-c|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eltonyoga.com/blog/murder-of-the-birth-father/|title=Satan's Angels: The Ugly Club | Heather Elton's Blog|date=May 1, 2020|access-date=August 17, 2021|archive-date=August 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817044525/https://www.eltonyoga.com/blog/murder-of-the-birth-father/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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| rowspan=2 | 1984 || 13th Tribe MC || Hells Angels Halifax || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/man-on-trial-for-double-murder-in-n-d-g-is-nephew-of-one-of-quebecs-most-wanted-criminals|title=Man on trial for double murder in N.D.G. reveals tie to one Quebec's most wanted criminals|website=montrealgazette|access-date=August 17, 2021|archive-date=October 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021211023/https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/man-on-trial-for-double-murder-in-n-d-g-is-nephew-of-one-of-quebecs-most-wanted-criminals|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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| [[Gitans Moto Club|Gitans MC]] || Hells Angels Sherbrooke|| <ref name="Le chapitre de Sherbrooke">[https://www.lenouvelliste.ca/2020/12/21/le-chapitre-de-sherbrooke-de-retour-sur-le-terrain-d73daa3236a497e18d69e81c39ebb726/ Le chapitre de Sherbrooke de retour sur le terrain] René-Charles Quirion, ''[[Le Nouvelliste (Quebec)|Le Nouvelliste]]'' (December 20, 2020) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109193042/https://www.lenouvelliste.ca/2020/12/21/le-chapitre-de-sherbrooke-de-retour-sur-le-terrain-d73daa3236a497e18d69e81c39ebb726/ |date=November 9, 2021 }}</ref> |
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| 1985 || Denmark || Black Sheep MC || Hells Angels South (Helsingør) || |
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| 1990 || Germany || Phoenix MC || Hells Angels Berlin || <ref>{{Cite web |last=Schwederski |first=KHK Frank |title=Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs |url=https://www.gdp.de/gdp/gdpber.nsf/id/DE_FA-Krimbek/$file/Vortrag%20Rocker%20GdP.pdf |access-date=October 15, 2022 |website=gdp.de |language=de |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027082622/https://www.gdp.de/gdp/gdpber.nsf/id/DE_FA-Krimbek/%24file/Vortrag%20Rocker%20GdP.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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| 1991 || Canada || Satan's Guard MC || Hells Angels Trois-Rivières || {{sfn|Cherry|2006|p=402}} |
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| rowspan=2 | 1992 || Norway || Rowdies MC || Hells Angels Trondheim || <ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WjVREw9qnjoC&q=bandidos+oslo+february+1995&pg=PA172|title=Knowledge Management in Policing: Enforcing Law on Criminal Business Enterprises|first=Petter|last=Gottschalk|date=August 19, 2009|publisher=Hindawi Publishing Corporation|isbn=9789774540783|via=Google Books|access-date=October 18, 2021|archive-date=August 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828213607/https://books.google.com/books?id=WjVREw9qnjoC&q=bandidos+oslo+february+1995&pg=PA172|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.adressa.no/nyheter/article128775.ece|title=HA-veteran døde i mc-ulykke|date=May 15, 2002|website=adressa.no|access-date=August 17, 2021|archive-date=October 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009174526/https://www.adressa.no/nyheter/article128775.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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| Denmark || Nordstjernen MC || Hells Angels Aarhus || <ref name="Gammel rockerborg til salg">[https://jyllands-posten.dk/jpaarhus/ECE4453639/Gammel-rockerborg-til-salg/ Gammel rockerborg til salg] ''[[Jyllands-Posten]]'' (August 23, 2000) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907221519/https://jyllands-posten.dk/jpaarhus/ECE4453639/Gammel-rockerborg-til-salg/ |date=September 7, 2024 }}</ref> |
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| 1993 || Sweden || Dirty Dräggels || Hells Angels Malmö || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.expressen.se/kvallsposten/hells-angels-utokar-sin-narvaro-i-sverige/|title=Hells Angels nya avdelning i Sverige – här är den|website=www.expressen.se|date=May 12, 2016|access-date=August 17, 2021|archive-date=October 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211014131029/https://www.expressen.se/kvallsposten/hells-angels-utokar-sin-narvaro-i-sverige/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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| 1994 || United States || Hell's Henchmen MC || Hells Angels Illinois <br> Hells Angels Indiana || <ref>[https://www.nwitimes.com/uncategorized/hells-angels-motorcycle-gang-expands-territory-in-illinois/article_7993999a-e66b-5bf9-b74c-1722fb76f279.html Hell's Angels motorcycle gang expands territory in Illinois] Mark Kiesling, ''[[The Times of Northwest Indiana]]'' (December 13, 1994) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20221101204903/https://www.nwitimes.com/uncategorized/hells-angels-motorcycle-gang-expands-territory-in-illinois/article_7993999a-e66b-5bf9-b74c-1722fb76f279.html |date=November 1, 2022 }}</ref> |
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| rowspan=6 | 1996 || Sweden || Rebels MC || Hells Angels Helsingborg || |
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| Finland || Overkill MC || Hells Angels Helsinki || <ref name="Jengiläisten riidat toivat Bandidosin Suomeen 1990-luvulla">[https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/artikkeli/jengilaisten-riidat-toivat-bandidosin-suomeen-1990-luvulla/5080628 Jengiläisten riidat toivat Bandidosin Suomeen 1990-luvulla] [[MTV Uutiset]] (May 12, 2015) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112002943/https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/artikkeli/jengilaisten-riidat-toivat-bandidosin-suomeen-1990-luvulla/5080628 |date=November 12, 2020 }}</ref> |
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| Denmark || Mental Midgets MC || Hells Angels Odense || <ref name="Politi advarer">[https://fyens.dk/middelfart/politi-advarer-rockere-hverver-unge-paa-vestfyn Politi advarer: Rockere hverver unge på Vestfyn] Jesper Gimbel, ''[[Fyens]]'' (October 26, 2001) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907203250/https://fyens.dk/middelfart/politi-advarer-rockere-hverver-unge-paa-vestfyn |date=September 7, 2024 }}</ref><ref name="Hells angels på nyborgvej">[https://fyens.dk/odense/hells-angels-paa-nyborgvej Hells angels på nyborgvej] ''[[Fyens]]'' (May 11, 2006) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928232259/https://fyens.dk/odense/hells-angels-paa-nyborgvej |date= }}</ref> |
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| rowspan=2 | Norway || Customizers MC || Hells Angels Oslo || |
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| The Shabby Ones MC || Hells Angels Stavanger || <ref name="Ruler i Sør-Rogaland">[https://www.aftenbladet.no/lokalt/i/0rVb0/laquorulerraquo-i-soer-rogaland Ruler i Sør-Rogaland] ''[[Stavanger Aftenblad]]'' (October 16, 2007) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907222856/https://www.aftenbladet.no/lokalt/i/0rVb0/laquorulerraquo-i-soer-rogaland |date=September 7, 2024 }}</ref> |
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| Denmark || Avengers MC || Hells Angels Aalborg || |
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| rowspan=3 | 1997 || Sweden || Choppers MC || Hells Angels Stockholm || <ref name="Sweden's Courteous Police">[https://www.nytimes.com/1997/03/03/world/sweden-s-courteous-police-spoil-a-hell-s-angels-clubhouse-party.html Sweden's Courteous Police Spoil A Hell's Angels Clubhouse Party] Youssef M. Ibrahim, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (March 3, 1997) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024190934/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/03/03/world/sweden-s-courteous-police-spoil-a-hell-s-angels-clubhouse-party.html |date=October 24, 2021 }}</ref><ref name="Police Out En Masse During Hell's Angels Gathering in Sweden">[https://www.csmonitor.com/1997/0304/030497.intl.intl.3.html Police Out En Masse During Hell's Angels Gathering in Sweden] Martha Andersson, ''[[The Christian Science Monitor]]'' (March 4, 1997) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907004657/https://www.csmonitor.com/1997/0304/030497.intl.intl.3.html |date=September 7, 2015 }}</ref><ref name="Bandidos – nummer två bland mc-gängen">[https://blog.zaramis.se/2010/04/27/bandidos-nummer-tva-bland-mc-gangen/ Bandidos – nummer två bland mc-gängen] Andres S, ''Zaramis'' (April 27, 2010) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227010203/https://blog.zaramis.se/2010/04/27/bandidos-nummer-tva-bland-mc-gangen/ |date=December 27, 2012 }}</ref> |
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| Canada || [[Grim Reapers Motorcycle Club (Canada)|Grim Reapers MC]] || Hells Angels Alberta || <ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=http://ca.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0470837101.html|title=Wiley::Fallen Angel: The Unlikely Rise of Walter Stadnick and the Canadian Hells Angels|date=February 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110201032756/http://ca.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0470837101.html|archive-date=February 1, 2011}}</ref> |
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| United States || [[Dirty Dozen Motorcycle Club|Dirty Dozen MC]] || Hells Angels Arizona || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/chico-mora-led-the-dirty-dozen-into-the-hells-angels-camp-claiming-arizona-for-the-red-and-white-7438397|title=Chico Mora Led the Dirty Dozen Into the Hells Angels' Camp, Claiming Arizona for the Red and White|first=Stephen|last=Lemons|website=Phoenix New Times|access-date=August 17, 2021|archive-date=July 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707221047/https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/chico-mora-led-the-dirty-dozen-into-the-hells-angels-camp-claiming-arizona-for-the-red-and-white-7438397|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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| 1998 || Canada || [[Rebels Motorcycle Club (Canada)|Rebels MC]] || Hells Angels Saskatoon || <ref name="auto1"/> |
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| rowspan=2 | 1999 || Norway || Screwdrivers MC || Hells Angels Hamar || <ref name="Vil du være med på noe mot Bandidos?">[https://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/i/7EJpB/vil-du-vaere-med-paa-noe-mot-bandidos Vil du være med på noe mot Bandidos?] ''[[Verdens Gang]]'' (February 25, 2003) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025204109/https://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/i/7EJpB/vil-du-vaere-med-paa-noe-mot-bandidos |date=October 25, 2021 }}</ref><ref name="Ekeberg v. Norway">[https://hudoc.echr.coe.int/fre#{%22itemid%22:[%22001-76781%22]} Ekeberg v. Norway] [[European Court of Human Rights]] (July 11, 2006) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907185242/https://hudoc.echr.coe.int/fre#{%22itemid%22:[%22001-76781%22]} |date=September 7, 2024 }}</ref><ref name="Fest hos englene på Bergshøgda">[https://www.ostlendingen.no/ringsaker-blad/fest-hos-englene-pa-bergshogda-1.8429507 Fest hos englene på Bergshøgda] Roy Solvang, ''[[Østlendingen]]'' (May 16, 2014) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907220500/https://www.ostlendingen.no/ringsaker-blad/fest-hos-englene-pa-bergshogda-1.8429507 |date=September 7, 2024 }}</ref> |
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| Sweden || Gamlestadens MC || Hells Angels Gothenburg || <ref name="Bandidos – nummer två bland mc-gängen"/> |
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| rowspan=2 | 2000 || rowspan=2 | Canada || Los Bravos MC || Hells Angels Winnipeg || <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/crown-argues-biker-gang-is-organized-crime-1.691418|title=Crown argues biker gang is organized crime - Manitoba - CBC News|date=February 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160228172347/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/crown-argues-biker-gang-is-organized-crime-1.691418|archive-date=February 28, 2016}}</ref> |
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| Last Chance MC <br> Lobos MC <br> Para-Dice Riders MC <br> [[Satan's Choice Motorcycle Club|Satan's Choice MC]] || Hells Angels Ontario || <ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/part-ii/article1138211/?page=all|title=Part II|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|date=July 17, 2004|last1=Appleby|first1=Timothy|access-date=August 17, 2021|archive-date=August 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828213707/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/part-ii/article1138211/?page=all|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web| url = https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/biker-gangs-in-canada-1.775978| title = Biker gangs in Canada {{!}} CBC News| access-date = August 17, 2021| archive-date = October 29, 2021| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211029093351/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/biker-gangs-in-canada-1.775978| url-status = live}}</ref> |
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| 2001 || Denmark || Piraterne MC || Hells Angels Randers || <ref name="Betjente talstærkt til stede ved rockerfest i Randers">[https://amtsavisen.dk/randers/betjente-talstaerkt-til-stede-ved-rockerfest-i-randers Betjente talstærkt til stede ved rockerfest i Randers] Jeppe Bjerre Trans and Axel Præstmark, ''Randers Amtsavis'' (November 5, 2022) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907232215/https://amtsavisen.dk/randers/betjente-talstaerkt-til-stede-ved-rockerfest-i-randers |date=September 7, 2024 }}</ref> |
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| 2002 || United States || Brothers Fast MC || Hells Angels Denver || <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://lasd.org/pdfjs/web/mcj_HellsAngels_OMG.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=August 17, 2021 |archive-date=August 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210823071229/https://lasd.org/pdfjs/web/mcj_HellsAngels_OMG.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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| 2004 || Canada || [[Bandidos Motorcycle Club|Bandidos MC]] Edmonton || Hells Angels Red Deer Nomads || <ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/patchover-of-alberta-bandidos-gives-hells-angels-monopoly/article18275194/|title=Patchover of Alberta Bandidos gives Hells Angels monopoly|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|date=October 25, 2004|last1=Appleby|first1=Timothy|access-date=August 17, 2021|archive-date=August 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817104206/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/patchover-of-alberta-bandidos-gives-hells-angels-monopoly/article18275194/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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| 2015 || United States || North Coast MC || Hells Angels Akron || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cleveland19.com/story/29104730/neighbors-of-akrons-hells-angels-say-all-is-quiet|title=No concerns after Hells Angels move in to Akron neighborhood|website=www.cleveland19.com|date=May 19, 2015|access-date=August 17, 2021|archive-date=June 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630091055/https://www.cleveland19.com/story/29104730/neighbors-of-akrons-hells-angels-say-all-is-quiet/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cleveland.com/akron/2015/05/hells_angels_back_in_akron_the.html|title=Hell's Angels back in Akron, the Rev. Melford Elliot dies in crash, Brittain Road closing Tuesday: Akron news roundup|date=May 11, 2015|website=cleveland|access-date=August 17, 2021|archive-date=June 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630102147/https://www.cleveland.com/akron/2015/05/hells_angels_back_in_akron_the.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==Criminal activities and incidents== |
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==Trivia== |
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{{Main|Hells Angels MC criminal allegations and incidents}} |
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===Wild Hogs=== |
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In March 2006, the Hells Angels sued [[The Walt Disney Company|Walt Disney Co.]] for allegedly engaging in [[trademark infringement]]. The [[lawsuit]], filed in the [[United States District Court for the Central District of California|U.S. District Court of California]], alleged that the Disney film entitled ''[[Wild Hogs]]'' used both the name and distinctive [[logo]] of the Hell's Angels Motorcycle Corporation without permission. 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 [[suburb]]an [[motorcycle club|biker]] wannabes hit the open road in search of adventure, but get more than they bargained for when they encounter a [[New Mexico]] gang called the Del Fuegos." |
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Various U.S. law enforcement agencies classify the Hells Angels as one of the "big four" [[Outlaw motorcycle club#Outlaw motorcycle clubs as criminal enterprises|motorcycle gangs]], along with the [[Pagan's Motorcycle Club|Pagans]], the [[Outlaws Motorcycle Club|Outlaws]], and the [[Bandidos Motorcycle Club|Bandidos]], and contend that members carry out widespread violent crime and [[organized crime]], including drug dealing, trafficking in stolen goods, [[extortion]], and prostitution operations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fbi.gov/publications/safestreets/ssgu00.pdf |title=FBI Safe Street Violent Crime Initiative Report Fiscal Year 2000|access-date=August 13, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010913020913/https://www.fbi.gov/publications/safestreets/ssgu00.pdf |archive-date=September 13, 2001}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Ibrahim |first=Youssef M. |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C04E5D71F31F930A35750C0A961958260 |title=New York Times, Sweden's Courteous Police Spoil a Hell's Angels Clubouse Party |location=Stockholm (Sweden); Sweden |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=March 3, 1997 |access-date=August 13, 2010 |archive-date=August 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828214126/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/03/03/world/sweden-s-courteous-police-spoil-a-hell-s-angels-clubhouse-party.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In Australia, the Hells Angels are included among the "big six", with the Bandidos, the [[Comanchero Motorcycle Club|Comanchero]], the [[Finks Motorcycle Club|Finks]], the [[Mongols Motorcycle Club|Mongols]], and the [[Rebels Motorcycle Club|Rebels]].<ref name="By their colours">[https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-04/bikie-gangs-by-colours/4999510 By their colours: Outlaw motorcycle gang identification guide] [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] (October 4, 2013) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009131126/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-04/bikie-gangs-by-colours/4999510 |date=October 9, 2013 }}</ref><ref name="Victoria bikies">[https://www.heraldsun.com.au/web-stories/free/herald-sun/victoria-bikies-all-you-need-to-know-about-big-six-outlaw-gangs?nk=6e80354eeaf70222c10170a128a3f59a-1686607108 Victoria bikies: all you need to know about Big Six outlaw gangs] Anthony Dowsley, ''[[Herald Sun]]'' (July 7, 2022) {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612221457/https://www.heraldsun.com.au/web-stories/free/herald-sun/victoria-bikies-all-you-need-to-know-about-big-six-outlaw-gangs?nk=6e80354eeaf70222c10170a128a3f59a-1686607108 |date=June 12, 2023 }}</ref> All Hells Angels charters are autonomous and operate on their own. As such, some charters refrain from any illegal activity, while others operate as crime syndicates.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyTxdT4u60I |title=How The Hells Angels Actually Works {{!}} How Crime Works {{!}} Insider |language=en |access-date=April 12, 2024 |via=www.youtube.com |archive-date=April 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408203623/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyTxdT4u60I |url-status=live }}</ref> Members of the organization have continuously asserted that they are only a group of motorcycle enthusiasts who have joined to ride motorcycles together, to organize social events such as group road trips, fundraisers, parties, and motorcycle rallies, and that any crimes are the responsibility of the people who carried them out, not the club as a whole.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hpn.asu.edu/archives/2003-July/007451.html |title=[Hpn] Hells Angels Mc Salvation Army Shelter Run |publisher=Hpn.asu.edu |date=July 6, 2003 |access-date=August 9, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100709114854/http://hpn.asu.edu/archives/2003-July/007451.html |archive-date=July 9, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/sep/04/under-watchful-eye-bikers-aid-charity/ |title=Under watchful eye, bikers aid charity – Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008 | midnight |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=September 4, 2008 |access-date=August 9, 2010 |archive-date=August 23, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100823101338/http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/sep/04/under-watchful-eye-bikers-aid-charity/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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===Celebrity members=== |
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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 (TV series)|Oz]]'', was a member.<ref>http://www.thesweetscience.com/boxing-article/4122/gatti-angels-chuck-zito</ref> |
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In May 2019, a court in [[Utrecht]] issued a verdict that made the Netherlands the first country to completely ban the Hells Angels. The presiding judge called it "a danger to public order and the rule of law".<ref>{{cite web|date=May 29, 2019|title=Hells Angels bikers banned by Netherlands court|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48443602|access-date=May 30, 2019|publisher=BBC News|archive-date=September 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918134044/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48443602|url-status=live}}</ref> Other countries such as Germany had banned local charters, but never the entire club.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 29, 2019|title=Netherlands first country to ban the Hells Angels; Violence called "systemic", "common"|url=https://nltimes.nl/2019/05/29/netherlands-first-country-ban-hells-angels-violence-called-systemic-common|website=NL Times|access-date=May 30, 2019|archive-date=February 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218142728/https://nltimes.nl/2019/05/29/netherlands-first-country-ban-hells-angels-violence-called-systemic-common|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=May 29, 2019|title=Hells Angels bikers banned by Dutch court|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48443602|publisher=BBC News|access-date=May 30, 2019|archive-date=September 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918134044/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48443602|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=May 29, 2019|title=Hells Angels banned by Dutch court in biker gang crackdown|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/may/29/hells-angels-banned-by-dutch-court-in-strike-against-biker-gangs|work=The Guardian|access-date=May 30, 2019|archive-date=May 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530131020/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/may/29/hells-angels-banned-by-dutch-court-in-strike-against-biker-gangs|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=May 29, 2019|title=Dutch court bans 'violent' Hells Angels motorcycle club|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-netherlands-hells-angels-idUSKCN1SZ18T|publisher=Reuters|access-date=February 24, 2020|archive-date=October 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019234345/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-netherlands-hells-angels-idUSKCN1SZ18T|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 15, 2022, the [[Supreme Court of the Netherlands]] reaffirmed the ban, making it permanent.<ref>{{Cite web|date=July 15, 2022|title=Supreme Court confirms ban of outlaw motorcycle club Hells Angels|url=https://nltimes.nl/2022/07/15/supreme-court-confirms-ban-outlaw-motorcycle-club-hells-angels|publisher=NLTimes|access-date=July 15, 2022|archive-date=August 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828214127/https://nltimes.nl/2022/07/15/supreme-court-confirms-ban-outlaw-motorcycle-club-hells-angels|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==Pop culture references== |
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* In ''[[The Simpsons]]'' episode "[[Take My Wife, Sleaze]]", a spoof of the name Hells Angels was made (Hell's Satans). |
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==See also== |
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* In the film ''[[Pee Wee's Big Adventure]]'', another spoof on the Hells Angels name was made (Satan's Helpers). |
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{{Portal|Law}} |
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* [[List of outlaw motorcycle clubs]] |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist|refs= |
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{{reflist|2}} |
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<ref name=theglobeandmail2002-03-02>{{cite news |
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|url = https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/bilingual-on-bikes/article4132062/ |
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|title = Bilingual on bikes |
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|work = [[The Globe and Mail]] |
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|author = Ray Conlogue |
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|date = March 2, 2002 |
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|access-date = July 18, 2020 |
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|quote = If you're a TV show and the Hells Angels are considering a court injunction to stop you from being broadcast, then that's what you'll be famous for. |
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|archive-date = November 27, 2020 |
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|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201127134202/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/bilingual-on-bikes/article4132062/ |
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|url-status = live |
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}}</ref> |
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}} |
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== |
==Bibliography== |
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* {{cite book|author=Hunter S. Thompson|title=Hell's Angels: A Strange and Terrible Saga|url=https://archive.org/details/hellsangels00hunt|url-access=registration|year=1999 |publisher=Modern Library|isbn=978-0-679-60331-3}} |
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* [http://www.blockheadcity.com/outbadbook.htm Out In Bad Standings; Inside The Bandidos Motorcycle Club by Edward Winterhalder, Blockhead City Press 2005 USA] |
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* {{cite book|author=Yves Lavigne|title=Hell's Angels: Taking Care of Business|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MKAvHwNCD_IC&pg=PA1|year=2000|publisher=Random House of Canada, Limited|isbn=978-0-7704-2858-7}} |
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* ''The Road to Hell : How the Biker Gangs are Conquering Canada'', Julian Sher and William Marsden, 2003 |
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* {{cite book|author=Valerie Smart|title=The Original Hell's Angels: 303rd Bombardment Group of World War II|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hrNrPqUy0TAC&pg=PA1|year=2001 |publisher=Arcadia Publishing|isbn=978-0-7385-0910-5}} |
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* ''Angels of Death; Inside the Bikers' Global Crime Empire'', William Marsden & Julian Sher, Hodder & Stoughton 2006 |
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* |
*{{cite book |last=Cherry |first= Paul |title=The Biker Trials: Bringing Down the Hells Angels |location= Toronto |publisher= ECW Press |year= 2006 |isbn=978-1550226386}} |
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* {{cite book |last=Barker |first=Thomas |title=Biker Gangs and Organized Crime |location=London |publisher=Routledge |year=2007 |isbn=978-0323298704}} |
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* ''[http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/01/19/biker-busts20060119.html Police claim a victory over bikers in Thunder Bay]'' CBC News, Thursday, 19 Jan 2006 |
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* {{cite book|author1=Edward Winterhalder|author2=Wil De Clercq|title=The Assimilation: Rock Machine Become Bandidos: Bikers United Against the Hells Angels|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O3F9fD5RcRQC&pg=PA1|year=2008|publisher=ECW Press|isbn=978-1-55490-321-4}} |
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* http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/04/11/biker-war-sher.html?ref=rss |
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* {{cite book|author=Sonny Barger|title=Hell's Angel: The Autobiography of Sonny Barger|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O_6mgtjs-hUC&pg=PP1|year=2009|publisher=HarperCollins |isbn=978-0-06-184736-3}} |
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* {{cite book|author=Jerry Langton|title=Fallen Angel: The Unlikely Rise of Walter Stadnick and the Canadian Hells Angels|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vG4bfGwXZNIC&pg=PT3|year=2009|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=978-0-470-73994-5}} |
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==See Also== |
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* {{cite book|author1=William Marsden|author2=Julian Sher|title=Angels of Death: Inside the Bikers' Empire of Crime|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uLYL2uhqrNkC&pg=PA1|year=2010 |publisher=Knopf Canada|isbn=978-0-307-37032-7}} |
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* [[Bandidos]] |
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* {{cite book|last1=Sher|first1=Julian|last2=Marsden|first2=William|title=The Road to Hell: How the Biker Gangs are Conquering Canada|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ToCy5cH253YC&pg=PP1|year=2010 |publisher=Knopf Canada|isbn=978-0-307-36586-6}} |
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* [[Outlaws Motorcycle Club|Outlaws]] |
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* {{cite book|author=Yves Lavigne|title=Hells Angels: Into the Abyss|year=2011|publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited|isbn=978-1-4434-0411-2}} |
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* [[Rock Machine]] |
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* {{cite book|author=Yves Lavigne|title=Hell's Angels at War|year=2011|publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited|isbn=978-1-4434-0410-5}} |
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* [[Vagabonds MC (Ontario)|Vagabonds]] |
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* {{cite book|author=Carter F. Smith|title=Gangs and the Military: Gangsters, Bikers, and Terrorists with Military Training|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=z0IyDwAAQBAJ&q=Gangs+and+the+Military%3A+Gangsters%2C+Bikers%2C+and+Terrorists+with+Military+Training|year=2017|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|isbn=978-1442275171}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{commons}} |
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===Official sites=== |
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* |
* {{Official website|http://www.hells-angels.com/}} – includes many chartered local charters, with links |
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* [http:// |
* [http://vault.fbi.gov/The%20Hells%20Angels FBI file on Hell's Angels] |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120328045302/http://life.time.com/culture/never-seen-hells-angels-1965/ Never-Seen: Hells Angels, 1965] – slideshow by ''[[Life (magazine)|Life]]'' magazine |
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* [http://www.hamcmanchester.co.uk/ Hells Angels - Manchester, England] |
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* [http://www.hells-angels-oakland.com/ Hells Angels Oakland], referring to HAMC as Hells Angels Motorcycle Corporation. |
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<!--======================== {{No more links}} =============== |
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===Other sites=== |
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| PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS IN ADDING MORE LINKS TO THIS ARTICLE. Wikipedia | |
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* [http://www.hells-angels.com.br Brazilian Hells Angels] - Hells Angels chapters in Brazil |
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| is not a collection of links nor should it be used for advertising. | |
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* [http://www.azcentral.com/specials/special42/articles/0123hellsangels23.html "Hells Angels: The federal infiltration"], ''The Arizona Republic'', [[23 January]] [[2005]] |
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| | |
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* [http://www.amw.com/fugitives/case.cfm?id=27946 America's Most Wanted profile on Paul Merle Eischied], a member of the Hells Angels who is wanted for the murder of a woman in Mesa, Arizona |
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| Excessive or inappropriate links WILL BE DELETED. | |
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* [http://www.amny.com/news/local/am-hell013107,0,7706581.story Hells Angels slam NYPD over clubhouse raid] |
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| See [[Wikipedia:External links]] & [[Wikipedia:Spam]] for details. | |
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* [http://www.realdealnews.com/ Real Deal News] - Hells Angels news |
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| | |
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* [http://foia.fbi.gov/foiaindex/hellsang.htm FBI report on Hell's Angels] from the 1960s and 1970s. |
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| If there are already plentiful links, please propose additions or | |
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* [http://www.missoulian.com/specials/hellsangels/ha02.html Missoulian] - An article on how the Hells Angels were established. |
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| replacements on this article's discussion page, or submit your link | |
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| to the relevant category at the Open Directory Project (dmoz.org) | |
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| and link back to that category using the {{dmoz}} template. | |
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======================= {{No more links}} ==================--> |
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{{Hells Angels Motorcycle Club}} |
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{{OutlawMotorcycleGroups}} |
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{{Canadian gangs}} |
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{{Organized crime groups in Chicago}} |
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{{Organized crime groups in Los Angeles}} |
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{{Organized crime groups in New York City}} |
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{{Organized crime groups in the United States}} |
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{{Organized crime in Philadelphia}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Hells Angels}} |
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Latest revision as of 05:55, 16 December 2024
Abbreviation | |
---|---|
Founded | March 17, 1948[3][4] |
Founder | Otto Friedli[4] |
Founded at | Fontana, California, United States[5] |
Type | Outlaw motorcycle club |
Headquarters | Oakland, California, United States[6] |
Region | Worldwide (592 charters in 66 countries)[7] |
Membership | 6,000[8][9] |
Key people | Sonny Barger |
Website | Official website |
The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club (HAMC) is an international outlaw motorcycle club whose members typically ride Harley-Davidson motorcycles. In the United States and Canada, the Hells Angels are incorporated as the Hells Angels Motorcycle Corporation. Common nicknames for the club are the "H.A.", "Red & White", and "81".[10] With a membership of over 6,000, and 592 charters in 66 countries, the HAMC is the largest "outlaw" motorcycle club in the world.[8][9][11]
Many Hells Angels members are involved in organized crime, such as drug trafficking, and engage in violent conflict with members of other outlaw motorcycle clubs and organized crime groups. Involvement in organized crime and violence has historically extended to the organization's most senior leadership. Many police and international intelligence agencies, including the United States Department of Justice, the Criminal Intelligence Service Canada, the Australian Federal Police, and Europol, consider the club an organized crime syndicate.[12][13][14][15][16][17][18]
History
[edit]The Hells Angels originated on March 17, 1948, in Fontana, California, when several small motorcycle clubs agreed to merge.[19] Otto Friedli, a World War II veteran, is credited with starting the club after breaking from the Pissed Off Bastards motorcycle club over a feud with a rival gang.[20] According to an alternative theory, the Hells Angels were founded on November 15, 1951, in San Bernardino, by Dick White, a member of the Redlands Road Runners.[21][22]
According to its website, the club's name was suggested by Arvid Olsen, an associate of the founders who had served in the "Hell's Angels" squadron of the Flying Tigers in China during World War II.[23] In a letter written to The Guinness Book of World Records by a member on the Hells Angels' behalf, it is instead stated that the club's name was taken from the "Hell's Angels" squadron of the 303rd Bombardment Group, which was active in the European theater of World War II.[24] It is at least clear that the name was inspired by the tradition from World Wars I and II whereby the Americans gave their squadrons fierce, death-defying titles; an example of this lies in one of the three P-40 squadrons of Flying Tigers fielded in Burma and China, which was dubbed "Hell's Angels".[25] In 1930, the Howard Hughes film Hell's Angels showcased extraordinary and dangerous feats of aviation, and it is believed that World War II groups that used that name based it on the film.[20] According to the Hells Angels' website, they are aware that there is an apostrophe missing in "Hells", but "... it is you who miss it. We don't".[26]
Some of the HAMC's early history is not clear, and accounts differ. The club's first official charter was reportedly drawn up in Fontana in 1950.[24] Various autonomous Hells Angels charters were formed throughout California in the decade following the club's foundation, by nomadic members who moved from one city to another.[29] The San Francisco ("Frisco") charter was reportedly founded by former members of the Market Street Commandos in 1954. A North Sacramento charter was established in 1956, followed by another charter in Sacramento the following year, which was formed by two brothers, James "Mother" Miles and Pat Miles, who were former members of the Hell Bent for Glory biker club.[30] The Sacramento charter later disbanded and relocated to Richmond as a Nomads chapter in 1965.[31] According to Ralph "Sonny" Barger, founder of the Oakland charter in 1957, other early charters of the club were founded in Gardena, and elsewhere, with the members usually unaware that there were other clubs. One of the lesser-known clubs was in North Chino/South Pomona in the late 1960s. Barger has been credited with helping to unify these various disparate charters under common club bylaws.[32][33][34]
Other sources claim that the San Francisco Hells Angels were organized in 1953 by Rocky Graves, a Hells Angel member from San Bernardino ("Berdoo"), implying that the "Frisco" Hells Angels were very much aware of their forebears.[35] The "Frisco" Hells Angels were reorganized in 1955 with 13 charter members, Frank Sadilek serving as president, and the smaller, original logo. The Oakland charter, at the time headed by Barger, used a larger version of the "Death's Head" patch nicknamed the "Barger Larger", which was first used in 1959. It later became the club standard.[36] The first charter to open outside California was established in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1961.[20]
The Hells Angels are often depicted in semi-mythical romantic fashion like the 19th-century James–Younger Gang: free-spirited, iconic, bound by brotherhood and loyalty. At other times, such as in the 1966 Roger Corman film The Wild Angels, they are depicted as violent and nihilistic, little more than a violent criminal gang and a scourge on society.[37]
The club became prominent within, and established its notoriety as part of, the 1960s counterculture movement in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury District, playing a part at many of the movement's seminal events. Members were directly connected to many of the counterculture's primary leaders, such as Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters, Allen Ginsberg, Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead, Timothy Leary, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Mick Farren, and Tom Wolfe. "Gonzo" journalist Hunter S. Thompson's book about the club launched his career. From 1968 to 1969 the Hells Angels of San Francisco headquarters was at 715 Ashbury (across from the Grateful Dead house at 710 Ashbury).[38][39][40][41][42]
In 1973, members from several branches of the organization protested at an Environmental Protection Agency hearing about a proposed transportation plan that included restrictions on motorcycle use and sales to get California to meet the new Clean Air Act standards.[43]
Insignia
[edit]The Hells Angels' official website attributes the official "death's head" insignia design to Frank Sadilek, past president of the San Francisco charter.[44] The colors and shape of the early-style jacket emblem (before 1953) were copied from the insignias of the 85th Fighter Squadron and the 552nd Medium Bomber Squadron.[44]
The Hells Angels have a system of patches similar to military medals. The specific meaning of each patch is not publicly known, but the patches identify each biker's specific or significant actions or beliefs.[45] The official colors of the Hells Angels are red lettering displayed on a white background—hence the club's nickname "The Red and White". The patches are worn on leather or denim jackets and vests.
Red and white are also used to display the number 81 on many patches, as in "Support 81", "Route 81". The 8 and 1 stand for the respective positions in the alphabet of H and A.[46] Friends and supporters of the club use these in deference to club rules, which purport to restrict the wearing of Hells Angels imagery to club members. The diamond-shaped one-percenter patch is also used, displaying "1%" in red on a white background with a red merrowed border. The term "one-percenter" is said to be a response to the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) comment on the Hollister incident to the effect that 99% of motorcyclists were law-abiding citizens and 1% were outlaws. The AMA has no record of such a statement and calls this story apocryphal.[47]
Most members wear a rectangular patch (again, white background with red letters and a red merrowed border) identifying their respective charter locations. Another similarly designed patch reads "Hells Angels". When applicable, members of the club wear a patch denoting their position or rank within the organization. The patch is rectangular and, like those 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 charter location patch. Some members also wear an "AFFA" patch, which stands for "Angels Forever; Forever Angels", referring to their lifelong membership in the club (i.e., "once a member, always a member").
An additional patch worn by select club members consists of two Nazi-style SS lightning bolts below the words "Filthy Few". Some law enforcement officials claim that the "Filthy Few" patch is awarded only to those who have committed or are prepared to commit murder on the club's behalf.[48][49] Hells Angels have denied this interpretation, however, comparing it instead to a merit badge awarded to those who are "the first to arrive at a party and the last to leave".[50] According to reports from law enforcement and prosecutors, another patch similar to the "Filthy Few" patch is the "Dequiallo" patch.[51] "Dequiallo" is a reference to El Degüello, a bugle call played by the regimental band of Antonio López de Santa Anna's army at the Battle of the Alamo.[49] This patch allegedly "signifies that the wearer has fought law enforcement on arrest."[52] There is no common convention as to where the patches are placed on members' jackets/vests.
"Angels Forever, Forever Angels" is also the club's traditional motto.[53] Other Hells Angels slogans include "When we do right, nobody remembers. When we do wrong, nobody forgets";[54] "Three can keep a secret if two are dead";[55] and "When in doubt, knock 'em out", which was coined by New York City charter member Vincent "Big Vinny" Girolamo.[56][57]
Intellectual property rights
[edit]The Hells Angels incorporated in 1966, trademarking the club's name and four symbols.[49] The club filed a trademark infringement lawsuit for the first time on October 26, 1989, when the Hells Angels lodged a federal lawsuit in Los Angeles against Concorde-New Horizons, which produced the film Nam Angels, and against Media Home Entertainment, which distributed the film on video, over infringements on the club's registered trademarks.[58][59] The suit was settled out of court.[49]
According to The Globe and Mail, the Hells Angels considered seeking an injunction to block the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation from broadcasting the miniseries The Last Chapter, because of how closely the biker gang at the center of the series resembled the Hells Angels.[60]
In March 2007 the Hells Angels filed suit against the Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group alleging that its film Wild Hogs used both the name and distinctive logo of the HAMC without permission.[61] The suit was eventually voluntarily dismissed[62] after the Angels received assurances from Disney that the references would not appear in the film.[63]
On October 7, 2009, Fritz Clapp, attorney at law for the HAMC, contacted online games community FOCO, demanding the removal of all membership marks and club trademarks from the Los Santos Roleplay Forum, a messageboard for the San Andreas Multiplayer modification for Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. While members of the community were skeptical at first, Clapp posted a tweet confirming his identity.[64][65]
In October 2010 the Hells Angels filed a lawsuit against Alexander McQueen for "misusing its trademark winged death heads symbol"[66] in several items from its Autumn/Winter 2010 collection. The lawsuit also aimed at Saks Fifth Avenue and Zappos.com, which stock the jacquard box dress and knuckle duster ring that bear the symbol, which has been used since at least 1948 and is protected by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. A handbag and scarf were also named in the lawsuit.[67] The lawyer representing Hells Angels claimed: "This isn't just about money, it's about membership. If you've got one of these rings on, a member might get really upset that you're an impostor."[68] Saks refused to comment, Zappos had no immediate comment and the company's parent company, PPR, could not be reached for comment.[69] The company settled the case with the Hells Angels after agreeing to remove all of the merchandise featuring the logo from sale on their website, stores and concessions and recalling any goods that had already been sold and destroying them.[70][71][72]
In fall 2012 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, Hells Angels sued Toys "R" Us for trademark infringement, unfair competition, and dilution in relation to the sale of yo-yos manufactured by Yomega Corporation, a co-defendant, which allegedly bear the "Death Head" logo. In its complaint,[73] Hells Angels asserted that the mark on the yo-yos would likely lead people to mistakenly believe that the toys originate with Hells Angels. Yomega filed counterclaims against Hells Angels for cancellation of the "Death Head" registrations on grounds of alleged fraud in the procurement of the registrations.[74] The case settled and the lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice.
As of December 2013[update], the Hells Angels sells its branded merchandise at a retail store in Toronto, Ontario.[75]
In 2019, the Hells Angels sued Redbubble in the Federal Court of Australia for infringing on its trademark, launching another suit in 2021 after providing evidence that Redbubble had continued to breach the trademark.[76] The 2019 case concluded with the Hells Angels being awarded $5,000 in damages. In July 2022, in the second ruling against Redbubble, the company was ordered to pay the club more than $78,000.[77]
Membership
[edit]To become a Hells Angels "prospect", candidates must have a valid driver's license, a motorcycle over 750cc (46 cu in), and "the right combination of personal qualities." It is said the club excludes child molesters and people who have applied to become police or prison officers.[78] Intravenous drug use is also forbidden among club members.[56] Members in North America are required to ride U.S.-built motorcycles; Harley-Davidson bikes are most common in the club, although other American brands, such as Victory and Indian, are also permitted.[79]
After a lengthy, phased process, a prospective member is first deemed a "hang-around", indicating that he is invited to some club events or to meet club members at known gathering places.[46] If the "hang-around" is interested, he may be asked to become an "associate", a status that usually lasts a year or two. At the end of that stage, he is reclassified as "prospect", participating in some club activities, but not having voting privileges while he is evaluated for suitability as a full member. The last phase, and highest membership status, is full membership or "full-patch".[80] The term "full-patch" refers to the complete four-piece insignia, including the "Death Head" logo, two rockers (top rocker: "Hells Angels"; bottom rocker: state or territory claimed) and the rectangular "MC" patch below the wing of the Death's Head. Prospects are allowed to wear only a bottom rocker with the state, province or territory name along with the rectangular "MC" patch.
To become a full member, a "prospect" must be unanimously confirmed by the rest of the full club members.[81] Before votes are cast, a "prospect" usually travels to every charter in the sponsoring charter's geographic jurisdiction (state, province, or territory) and introduces himself to every "full-patch" member. This allows each voting member to become familiar with the "prospect" and ask any questions of concern before voting. Some form of formal induction follows, wherein the "prospect" affirms his loyalty to the club and its members. The final logo patch (top "Hells Angels" rocker) is then awarded at the initiation ceremony. The step of attaining full membership can be called "being patched".
Even after a member is patched in, the patches remain the property of HAMC, not the member. On leaving the Hells Angels or being ejected, a member must return his patches to the club.[82] Members must pay dues, and are required to attend mandatory club meetings and motorcycle runs.[56] Charter meetings, known as "church", are typically held at clubhouses or a member's residence. In 1978, members were required to pay $20 per month to the local charter, and $10 per month to the state charter. The money is used by the club to finance motorcycle runs and funerals, and to fund the travel of club officers to state and national meetings. Hells Angels may become exempt from paying dues after a certain period of time as a member of the club.[24]
Racial policies
[edit]The club is not officially a racially segregated organization.[83][84] In the U.S., at least one charter allegedly requires that a candidate be a white male,[85] and Sonny Barger said in a 2000 BBC interview, "The club, as a whole, is not racist but we probably have enough racist members that no black guy is going to get in it."[81] At that time the club had no black members.[81]
A few nonwhite members have been noted in the United States. In 1967, Hunter S. Thompson remarked upon a "Chinese Mel from [San Francisco] and Charley, a young black person from Oakland".[86] Steven Wayne Yee, a Chinese-American member of the Hells Angels' Cleveland charter, was convicted of murder in 1990.[87][88] The Satan's Angels MC in Vancouver had a black member when it merged with the Hells Angels in 1983. The San Francisco and Anchorage charters threatened to have the Vancouver charter expelled from the club when they learned of the situation; the matter was ultimately resolved when the man changed his nationality to "Hawaiian".[89] An unsanctioned Hells Angels charter in Windsor, England was granted official status in 1985 shortly after its only black member, John Mikkelsen, had died in police custody.[90] Another notable is Gregory Woolley, a high-ranking member of the Rockers MC in Montreal who was the protégé[91] and bodyguard of Hells Angel boss Maurice Boucher (who spent five years in a notoriously white-supremacist motorcycle gang, the SS). Woolley became an associate of the Hells Angels Montreal charter[92] in the 1990s and later tried uniting street gangs in Quebec after Boucher was imprisoned.[93]
In another interview with Barger in 2000, he said, "if you're a motorcycle rider and you're white, you want to join the Hells Angels. If you're black, you want to join the Dragons. That's how it is whether anyone likes it or not. We don't have no blacks and they don't have no whites."[94] When asked whether that could change, Barger replied, "Anything can change. I can't predict the future."[94] Tobie Levingston, who formed the black motorcycle club East Bay Dragons MC, wrote in his book that he and Barger have a long-lasting friendship and that the Hells Angels and Dragons have a mutual friendship and hang out and ride together.[95]
In a 1966 Ebony article about motorcycle rebels in the African-American community, the Chosen Few Motorcycle Club said that they see no racial animosity in the Hells Angels and that when they come into Chosen Few territory they all get together and party.[96] A Hells Angel member interviewed for the magazine insisted there was no racial prejudice in any of their clubs. He said, "we don't have any Negro members", but maintained that no blacks have sought membership.[96] At one point in the 1970s, the Hells Angels sought to consolidate the various motorcycle clubs and offered every member of the Chosen Few a Hells Angels patch, an offer that was declined.[97]
Organization
[edit]The Hells Angels became the first notarized and organized outlaw motorcycle club, and the biker clubs formed subsequently have reportedly imitated the Angels' insignias, rules, doctrines and rituals.[24] Hells Angels charters are governed by an officer corps, consisting of a president, vice president, secretary/treasurer, sergeant-at-arms and road captain.[24] Charters are composed of between ten and twelve members on average.[98] Each charter has autonomy regarding member discipline and minor policy changes.[56]
In contrast to other prominent motorcycle clubs in the United States, the Hells Angels organization is not headed by a national or international president; it is instead governed by regional officers, who are each chosen to represent a collective of localized charters at monthly regional meetings. Regional officers are divided into two groups: those who attend the West Coast Officers Meeting ("WesCOM") to conduct the policy, actions, and affairs of the Hells Angels' charters in the Western United States, and those who attend the East Coast Officers Meeting ("ECOM") to govern the charters in the Eastern United States.[56] The dividing point of the east and west regions is Omaha, Nebraska.[99] In states with multiple charters, weekly state meetings are also held in addition to charter meetings.[56]
Although the Hells Angels have no official "mother charter ", the club's de facto national headquarters remained in its founding location of San Bernardino, California until club founder Otto Friedli was imprisoned in 1958.[49][56] The club's unofficial headquarters was then relocated to Oakland, California by Sonny Barger, who succeeded Friedli as the Hells Angels' de facto national president.[24] The Oakland charter has traditionally been able to maintain a preeminent position as "first among equals" because it has the largest membership of any charter the United States and because of Barger's esteem among club members internationally.[89] The Oakland charter is responsible for making major decisions within the club and granting new charters. Any motorcycle club seeking to join to the Hells Angels must apply to the Oakland charter for membership, and the applicant club must be monitored and approved of by the Oakland Hells Angels before being granted membership.[24]
In New York state, the HAMC is incorporated as the Church of Angels, a nonprofit religious organization.[100]
Worldwide charters
[edit]The HAMC acknowledges more than 100 charters in over 29 countries. New Zealand had the first charter of the Hells Angels outside the United States; the club founded a charter in Auckland in 1961, and has since taken over gangs in Whanganui.[101] Europe did not become widely home to the Hells Angels until 1969 when two London charters were formed. The Beatles' George Harrison invited some members of the HAMC San Francisco to stay at Apple Records in London in 1968.[102][103] According to Chris O'Dell, only two members showed up, Frisco Pete and Bill "Sweet William" Fritsch.[104] Two people from London visited California, "prospected", and ultimately joined. Two charters were issued on July 30, 1969; one for "South London"—the reimagined charter renewing the already existing 1950 South London charter—and the other for "East London", but by 1973 the two charters came together as one, called "London". The London Angels provided security at a number of UK Underground festivals, including Phun City in 1970, organized by Mick Farren. They awarded Farren an "approval patch" in 1970 for use on his first solo album Mona, which also featured Steve Peregrin Took (credited as "Shagrat the Vagrant").[105]
In 1977, the Hells Angels arrived in Canada with the Popeye Moto Club patching over to form the Hells Angels' Montreal charter.[106] During the 1980s and 1990s, there was a major expansion of the club into the rest of Canada. The Quebec Biker War was a violent turf war that began in 1994 and continued until late 2002 in Quebec. The war began when the Hells Angels in Quebec began to try to establish a monopoly on street-level drug sales in Quebec. Many drug dealers and crime families resisted and established groups such as the "Alliance to fight the Angels", led by the Rock Machine. The war resulted in the bombings of many establishments and murders on both sides. More than 160 people died, over 300 were injured,[107] and over 100 bikers were incarcerated.[108]
Members of the Spanish charter were involved in a killing and tried.[109]
A list of acknowledged charters can be found on the HAMC's official website.[110]
Support clubs
[edit]Hells Angels chapters often oversee smaller motorcycle clubs within their locality, known as support clubs or "puppet" clubs.[111][112] These clubs serve as a potential source of recruitment and earnings for the Hells Angels, and, according to law enforcement, carry out crimes on the Hells Angels' behalf in order to shield the Hells Angels from scrutiny.[111][113] The Hells Angels also use support clubs to establish an initial presence in an area before forming a full-fledged charter.[114] Support clubs may be established for the sole purpose of providing assistance to the Hells Angels, or begin as independent clubs before coming under the Hells Angels' control.[114] Such clubs may maintain relations with the Hells Angels for protection or to bolster their reputation.[115] Members of puppet clubs attend Hells Angels events and associate with Hells Angels at gatherings.[113] Puppet club members are also permitted to wear a diamond-shaped "81" patch on their vests, which indicates their adherence to the Hells Angels.[113][116]
The Red Devils Motorcycle Club, a biker group with chapters in nearly 20 countries, is the official and most prominent support club of the Hells Angels.[117][118][119] The Hells Angels have more than two dozen support clubs in Canada.[114] In Norway, the Hells Angels have built up a network of support clubs over which they exert control and hold responsibility for administering three-piece back patches.[116] The Hells Angels have also formed support groups, such as AK81 in Denmark and the Red & White Crew in Sweden, which consist of young males who do not own motorcycles.[116]
Club mergers
[edit]Over the years, the Hells Angels have amalgamated a number of smaller outlaw motorcycle clubs in a process known as a "patch-over".[120]
Year | Location | Original Club/Charter | Hells Angels Charter | References |
---|---|---|---|---|
1967 | United States | Animals MC Gooses MC |
Hells Angels Cleveland | [121] |
1969 | Aliens MC Nomads | Hells Angels New York City | [122] | |
Hackers MC | Hells Angels Rochester | [123] | ||
1973 | Germany | Bloody Devils MC | Hells Angels Hamburg | [124] |
United States | Storm Troopers MC | Hells Angels Durham | [125] | |
1975 | Grateful Dead MC | Hells Angels Bridgeport | [126] | |
1976 | Tribulators MC | Hells Angels Charleston | [125] | |
1977 | Canada | Popeye MC | Hells Angels North (Montreal) | [127] |
1978 | United States | Satan's Slaves MC | Hells Angels San Fernando Valley | [128] |
Tar Heel Stompers MC | Hells Angels Charlotte | [125] | ||
Netherlands | Kreidler Ploeg Oost | Hells Angels Amsterdam | [129] | |
1979 | United States | Original Jokers MC | Hells Angels Winston-Salem | [125] |
1980 | Netherlands | Mad Dogs | Hells Angels Haarlem | [129] |
Denmark | Unionen MC | Hells Angels Copenhagen | [130] | |
1982 | Spain | Hells Angels Spain | [131] | |
1982 | United States | Grim Reapers MC Minneapolis | Hells Angels Minneapolis | [132] |
Brothers MC | Hells Angels Anchorage | [133] | ||
1983 | Canada | Satan's Angels MC | Hells Angels Vancouver | [134][135] |
1984 | 13th Tribe MC | Hells Angels Halifax | [136] | |
Gitans MC | Hells Angels Sherbrooke | [137] | ||
1985 | Denmark | Black Sheep MC | Hells Angels South (Helsingør) | |
1990 | Germany | Phoenix MC | Hells Angels Berlin | [138] |
1991 | Canada | Satan's Guard MC | Hells Angels Trois-Rivières | [139] |
1992 | Norway | Rowdies MC | Hells Angels Trondheim | [140][141] |
Denmark | Nordstjernen MC | Hells Angels Aarhus | [142] | |
1993 | Sweden | Dirty Dräggels | Hells Angels Malmö | [143] |
1994 | United States | Hell's Henchmen MC | Hells Angels Illinois Hells Angels Indiana |
[144] |
1996 | Sweden | Rebels MC | Hells Angels Helsingborg | |
Finland | Overkill MC | Hells Angels Helsinki | [145] | |
Denmark | Mental Midgets MC | Hells Angels Odense | [146][147] | |
Norway | Customizers MC | Hells Angels Oslo | ||
The Shabby Ones MC | Hells Angels Stavanger | [148] | ||
Denmark | Avengers MC | Hells Angels Aalborg | ||
1997 | Sweden | Choppers MC | Hells Angels Stockholm | [149][150][151] |
Canada | Grim Reapers MC | Hells Angels Alberta | [152] | |
United States | Dirty Dozen MC | Hells Angels Arizona | [153] | |
1998 | Canada | Rebels MC | Hells Angels Saskatoon | [152] |
1999 | Norway | Screwdrivers MC | Hells Angels Hamar | [154][155][156] |
Sweden | Gamlestadens MC | Hells Angels Gothenburg | [151] | |
2000 | Canada | Los Bravos MC | Hells Angels Winnipeg | [157] |
Last Chance MC Lobos MC Para-Dice Riders MC Satan's Choice MC |
Hells Angels Ontario | [158][159] | ||
2001 | Denmark | Piraterne MC | Hells Angels Randers | [160] |
2002 | United States | Brothers Fast MC | Hells Angels Denver | [161] |
2004 | Canada | Bandidos MC Edmonton | Hells Angels Red Deer Nomads | [162] |
2015 | United States | North Coast MC | Hells Angels Akron | [163][164] |
Criminal activities and incidents
[edit]Various U.S. law enforcement agencies classify the Hells Angels as one of the "big four" motorcycle gangs, along with the Pagans, the Outlaws, and the Bandidos, and contend that members carry out widespread violent crime and organized crime, including drug dealing, trafficking in stolen goods, extortion, and prostitution operations.[165][166] In Australia, the Hells Angels are included among the "big six", with the Bandidos, the Comanchero, the Finks, the Mongols, and the Rebels.[167][168] All Hells Angels charters are autonomous and operate on their own. As such, some charters refrain from any illegal activity, while others operate as crime syndicates.[169] Members of the organization have continuously asserted that they are only a group of motorcycle enthusiasts who have joined to ride motorcycles together, to organize social events such as group road trips, fundraisers, parties, and motorcycle rallies, and that any crimes are the responsibility of the people who carried them out, not the club as a whole.[170][171]
In May 2019, a court in Utrecht issued a verdict that made the Netherlands the first country to completely ban the Hells Angels. The presiding judge called it "a danger to public order and the rule of law".[172] Other countries such as Germany had banned local charters, but never the entire club.[173][174][175][176] On July 15, 2022, the Supreme Court of the Netherlands reaffirmed the ban, making it permanent.[177]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Gartrell, Nate (June 29, 2022). "Sonny Barger, famous Hells Angel and bestselling author, dead at 83 of cancer". The Mercury News. Archived from the original on July 14, 2022. Retrieved June 30, 2022.
- ^ Hells merchandise barred from Friday 13th Monte Sonnenberg, Simcoe Reformer (May 8, 2019) Archived May 8, 2019, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "The Founding of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club". Hells-Angels.com. Archived from the original on April 16, 2021. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
- ^ a b "Inside the biker gangs: the truth about guns, drugs and organized crime". The Independent. UK. August 14, 2007. Archived from the original on June 9, 2008. Retrieved August 13, 2010.
- ^ Drewery, George (Spring 2003). "3 Skulls, Wings & Outlaws – Motorcycle Club Insignia & Cultural Identity" (PDF). Inter-Cultural Studies; A Forum on Social Change & Cultural Diversity. Vol. 3, no. 2. p. 29. ISSN 1445-1190. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 6, 2006.
- ^ The Hells Angels’ devilish business (Fortune, 1992) Archived March 9, 2021, at the Wayback Machine Andy Serwer, Fortune (December 2, 2012)
- ^ Hells Angels MC World Archived October 17, 2022, at the Wayback Machine At the bottom of the homepage under "CHARTERS WORLDWIDE" is a listing of all current info - continents, countries, areas and charters
- ^ a b Hells Angels organizing on P.E.I., say RCMP Kevin Yarr and Sally Pitt, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (September 23, 2016) Archived September 24, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ a b Hells Angels clubhouses in Kelowna, Nanaimo and Vancouver seized by government Jacqueline Gelineau, Houston Today (February 15, 2023) Archived February 17, 2023, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "81" is a metonym. As 'H' and 'A' are the 8th and 1st letter of the alphabet.
- ^ Miller, Michael E. (May 18, 2015). "How the Bandidos became one of the world's most feared biker gangs". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Archived from the original on April 14, 2022. Retrieved October 15, 2022.
- ^ "Motorcycle gang". U.S. Department of Justice. Archived from the original on April 15, 2014. Retrieved January 23, 2010.
- ^ Lockyer, Bill (2003). "ORGANIZED CRIME IN CALIFORNIA" (PDF). CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 29, 2010. Retrieved January 23, 2010.
- ^ "ORGANIZED CRIME IN OREGON" (PDF). Oregon State Department of Justice. September 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 21, 2011. Retrieved January 23, 2010.
- ^ "ASIAN ORGANIZED CRIME AND TERRORIST ACTIVITY IN CANADA, 1999–2002" (PDF). Federal Research Division. Library of Congress. July 2003. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved January 23, 2010.
- ^ "Major international operation against Hells Angels". Europol. July 24, 2013. Archived from the original on November 20, 2022. Retrieved October 15, 2022. "Major international operation against Hells Angels | Europol". Archived from the original on November 20, 2022. Retrieved October 15, 2022.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^ 2003 Annual Report on Organized Crime in Canada Criminal Intelligence Service Canada (2003) Archived July 2, 2023, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ AFP targets outlaw motorcycle gangs in South-East Asia Australian Federal Police (July 11, 2022) Archived July 10, 2022, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ The Secret Life of Bikers by Jerry Langton. Location 19.5/477. HarperCollings:2018 ISBN 978-1-44345-467-4
- ^ a b c James, Randy (August 3, 2009). "A Brief History of the Hells Angels". Time. ISSN 0040-781X. Archived from the original on December 25, 2022. Retrieved December 18, 2020.
- ^ The Betty Supernaw Hells Angels & POBOBs Archive TheWesternEmpire.com (June 1, 2020) Archived March 6, 2022, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Research into Contemporary Outlaws (RICO) Greg Williams, TheVintagent.com (January 19, 2021) Archived May 22, 2022, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Hells Angels MC World". Hells-angels.com. Archived from the original on August 21, 2014. Retrieved February 15, 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f g Raymond C. Morgan (1979). The Angels Do Not Forget. Law & Justice Pubs, U.S.A. ISBN 9780960271801. Archived from the original on March 7, 2023. Retrieved January 29, 2023.
- ^ Rossi, J.R. "Flying Tiger Association Unit Rosters". The Flying Tigers - American Volunteer Group - Chinese Air Force. Archived from the original on December 5, 2013. Retrieved June 7, 2012.
- ^ "FAQ/Contact – Hells Angels MC World". Archived from the original on April 30, 2020. Retrieved May 2, 2020.
- ^ Bishop, Cliff T. (1986). Fortresses of the Big Triangle First, East Anglia Books. ISBN 1-869987-00-4, pp.160, 236.
- ^ "Hells Angels vs. Memphis Belle, Historical Information" (PDF). 303rd Bomb Group Association. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 23, 2013. Retrieved August 11, 2008.
- ^ Barker 2007, p. 34.
- ^ Barker 2007, p. 34-35.
- ^ Driving out the Angels: How an outlaw motorcycle club was ousted from Sacramento Archived December 8, 2022, at the Wayback Machine Michael Anthony Adams, ABC 10 (August 5, 2017)
- ^ Barker 2007, p. 35.
- ^ Who was Sonny Barger, the Hells Angels member whose funeral service is in Stockton Archived December 8, 2022, at the Wayback Machine Megan Camponovo, Fox 40 (September 22, 2022)
- ^ Sonny Barger, figurehead of Hells Angels, dies at 83 Archived December 8, 2022, at the Wayback Machine Tampa Bay Times (July 1, 2022)
- ^ Birney Jarvis for Male magazine, 1964. Reprinted in Hells Angels by Hunter S. Thompson
- ^ Roberts, Walter (2012). Biker Gangs: Hells Angels, Bandidos, Pagans, Bosozoku and Other World Gangs. RW Press. ISBN 9781909284067. Archived from the original on April 30, 2023. Retrieved December 22, 2022.
It was Sonny Barger, founder of the Oakland Hells Angels, who brought them all together under one umbrella. Some suggest that the organization of the Hells Angels had already taken place in San Francisco in 1953 when Rocky Graves gathered together 13 charter members, with a president, using a smaller version of the Death's Head logo. The Oakland charter used a bigger version of the logo—known as the 'Barger Larger'. This would eventually become the standard version used everywhere.
- ^ Bagnall, Sam (January 2, 2004). "Hells Angels: Easy-riders or criminal gang?". This World. BBC News. Archived from the original on June 21, 2010. Retrieved August 13, 2010.
- ^ Chamings, Andrew (April 27, 2021). "The most famous (and infamous) houses of Haight-Ashbury". SFGATE. Archived from the original on May 15, 2021. Retrieved May 15, 2021.
- ^ "The Fall of the Counterculture : Preview". Bu.digication.com. Archived from the original on October 25, 2012. Retrieved November 30, 2014.
- ^ Hell's Angels and the Illusion of the Counterculture; Wood, John. September 30, 2003. The Journal of Popular Culture, Volume 3
- ^ The Haight-Ashbury: A History; Perry, Charles. 2005
- ^ "Interview with Sonny Barger". Pdr.autono.net. Archived from the original on July 30, 2012. Retrieved June 18, 2013.
- ^ "Early Implementation of the Clean Air Act of 1970 in California". EPA Alumni Association. Video Archived September 22, 2020, at the Wayback Machine, Transcript Archived April 12, 2019, at the Wayback Machine (see p. 14). July 12, 2016.
- ^ a b "History". Hells-angels.com. Archived from the original on July 14, 2008.
- ^ Gangs: A Journey into the heart of the British Underworld, Tony Thompson, (2004) ISBN 0-340-83053-0
- ^ a b Hells Angels movement Archived November 15, 2022, at the Wayback Machine Paul Stokes, The Daily Telegraph (August 14, 2007)
- ^ Lindsey, Tom (November 2005). "A Brief History of "Outlaw" Motorcycle Clubs". International Journal of Motorcycle Studies. Archived from the original on December 25, 2010. Retrieved July 23, 2009.
The Life story caused something of a tumult around the country (Yates), and some authors have asserted that the AMA subsequently released a press statement disclaiming involvement in the Hollister event, stating that 99% of motorcyclists are good, decent, law-abiding citizens and that the AMA's ranks of motorcycle clubs were not involved in the debacle (e.g., Reynolds, Thompson). However, the American Motorcyclist Association has no record of ever releasing such a statement. Tom Lindsay, the AMA's Public Information Director, states 'We [the American Motorcyclist Association] acknowledge that the term 'one-percenter' has long been (and likely will continue to be) attributed to the American Motorcyclist Association, but we've been unable to attribute its original use to an AMA official or published statement—so it's apocryphal.'
- ^ Sher & Marsden 2010, p. 263.
- ^ a b c d e Look Homeward Angel: Cycle Icon Sonny Barger Kick-Starts Life As A Free Man By Violating Parole Archived November 13, 2022, at the Wayback Machine Philip Martin, Phoenix New Times (December 2, 1992)
- ^ Thompson, Tony (February 28, 2005). Gangs: A Journey into the Heart of the British Underworld. Hodder & Stoughton. ISBN 9780340830529. Archived from the original on April 12, 2023. Retrieved December 22, 2022.
As soon as he had recovered from the injuries sustained in the car-bombing, Cunningham was back on the Angels social circuit, attending rallies, parties and runs, and generally living the hedonistic biker life. Almost immediately the denim cut-off and leather jacket that bore his colours sported a new patch: two Nazi-style SS lightning bolts below the words 'Filthy Few'. According to the biography of legendary Hells Angel Ralph "Sonny" Barger, president of the Oakland charter, the Filthy Few patch is a piece of harmless fun. 'It means that someone is the first to arrive at a party and the last to leave', he says. In reality the patch is only awarded to Angels who have murdered on behalf of the club — usually in the presence of another member for corroboration — or who are prepared to commit a murder at a moment's notice.
- ^ The Story Behind The Controversial Hell’s Angels Tammy Ziv, The Herald Weekly (October 4, 2022) Archived November 15, 2022, at the Wayback Machine
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If you're a TV show and the Hells Angels are considering a court injunction to stop you from being broadcast, then that's what you'll be famous for.
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{{cite web}}
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In 1980 a group of Angels ambushed members of the 'bootleg' Windsor chapter and shot its leader, Richard Sharman, in the head three times. Miraculously, he survived. The attack had come about because, despite dressing themselves in close copies of the official Hells Angels colours, the Windsor chapter had never applied for an official chapter. Started up by local rockers, they were only accepted into the official fold in 1985 shortly after one of the members, John Mikkelsen, died in police custody. The fact that Mikkelsen was black — an official Angels taboo — had played a significant part in club failing to be sanctioned earlier.
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george harrison hell's angels.
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Puppet Clubs. In addition to the Big 5 and the Independent clubs there are also "puppet" clubs that do the bidding of the larger clubs, act as potential recruiting sources, serve as cannon fodder in the wars between clubs, and give a portion of their illegal gains to the larger club. The Red Devils MC is well known as a puppet club for the HAMC as are the Black Pistons MC as a puppet club for the Outlaws. The Outlaw Nation and the Bandido Nation list their puppet clubs on their national websites.
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Bibliography
[edit]- Hunter S. Thompson (1999). Hell's Angels: A Strange and Terrible Saga. Modern Library. ISBN 978-0-679-60331-3.
- Yves Lavigne (2000). Hell's Angels: Taking Care of Business. Random House of Canada, Limited. ISBN 978-0-7704-2858-7.
- Valerie Smart (2001). The Original Hell's Angels: 303rd Bombardment Group of World War II. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 978-0-7385-0910-5.
- Cherry, Paul (2006). The Biker Trials: Bringing Down the Hells Angels. Toronto: ECW Press. ISBN 978-1550226386.
- Barker, Thomas (2007). Biker Gangs and Organized Crime. London: Routledge. ISBN 978-0323298704.
- Edward Winterhalder; Wil De Clercq (2008). The Assimilation: Rock Machine Become Bandidos: Bikers United Against the Hells Angels. ECW Press. ISBN 978-1-55490-321-4.
- Sonny Barger (2009). Hell's Angel: The Autobiography of Sonny Barger. HarperCollins. ISBN 978-0-06-184736-3.
- Jerry Langton (2009). Fallen Angel: The Unlikely Rise of Walter Stadnick and the Canadian Hells Angels. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 978-0-470-73994-5.
- William Marsden; Julian Sher (2010). Angels of Death: Inside the Bikers' Empire of Crime. Knopf Canada. ISBN 978-0-307-37032-7.
- Sher, Julian; Marsden, William (2010). The Road to Hell: How the Biker Gangs are Conquering Canada. Knopf Canada. ISBN 978-0-307-36586-6.
- Yves Lavigne (2011). Hells Angels: Into the Abyss. HarperCollins Publishers Limited. ISBN 978-1-4434-0411-2.
- Yves Lavigne (2011). Hell's Angels at War. HarperCollins Publishers Limited. ISBN 978-1-4434-0410-5.
- Carter F. Smith (2017). Gangs and the Military: Gangsters, Bikers, and Terrorists with Military Training. Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN 978-1442275171.
External links
[edit]- Official website – includes many chartered local charters, with links
- FBI file on Hell's Angels
- Never-Seen: Hells Angels, 1965 – slideshow by Life magazine