NCJ Number
112350
Date Published
1988
Length
21 pages
Annotation
Motorcycle gangs, the only truly American organized crime phenomenon, have sophisticated transnational networks which conduct a variety of criminal activities, often acting for and in cooperation with traditional organized crime families, so that international law enforcement cooperation is required to address their operations.
Abstract
Many of the motorcycle gangs have given up their bikes and seedy appearance for cars and three-piece suits to conduct sophisticated criminal enterprises. They have kept their gang names, however, and their chapter organizations, many of which extend across national borders. Their criminal activities regularly include drug trafficking, prostitution, rape, and murder for hire. The traditional organized crime families often use the gangs for their 'muscle' work, including murder. The transnational chapters of the gangs are in regular communication with one another as they coordinate their criminal activities in various countries. Their intelligence network is highly developed and includes the placement of women in various strategic jobs to serve the interests of the gang. INTERPOL (International Police Organization) is the logical organization to coordinate police action and intelligence against these transnational gangs. Lists and maps of chapters for the four largest gangs (Hell's Angels, Pagans, Bandidos, and Outlaws) are provided.