NCJ Number
100363
Date Published
1985
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study describes the criminal activities of motorcycle gangs, particularly the Pagans, in southeastern Pennsylvania and surrounding jurisdictions.
Abstract
Information was obtained from police officials acquainted with intelligence information on motorcycle gangs and from reviews of crime commission reports and Philadelphia newspaper archives. Although motorcycle gangs have maintained their names and club-chapter organizational format, many gang leaders have replaced their dirty jeans and motorcycles with three-piece suits and cars. The boisterous, impulsive deviance of the gangs has evolved into planned, comprehensive criminality for profit. Criminal activities include drug trafficking, ''chop shops,' prostitution, murder, the corruption of politicians and police officers, and insurance fraud. The insurance fraud often involves the collusion of all persons involved in a simulated accident as well as lawyers and doctors. Lost-wage claims are often falsely substantiated by club members operating legitimate businesses. Gang members sometimes contract their services to other organized crime groups, as they have been observed as bodyguards of well-known organized crime figures and are suspected of gangland assassinations.