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Monday, 30 November 2009
Gypsy Jokers, Hell's Angels, Rebels, Finks and Descendents bikie club members will for the first time join together
Gypsy Jokers, Hell's Angels, Rebels, Finks and Descendents bikie club members will for the first time join together in protest against the Serious and Organised Crime Control Act, which came into effect in June last year.Dubbed the Freedom of Association Protest Poker Run, about 400 bikies from SA and interstate will mass in Gawler, north of Adelaide, and ride through the Barossa Valley together on Saturday.
And as if that isn't a defiant enough show of unity, a group of motorcycling enthusiasts, including members of opposing clubs, are only a few application process steps away from forming a legitimate political party.The unlikely alliance, known as the FREE Australia Party, hopes to hit South Australia's premier where it hurts - in parliament.The party's leader, Paul Kuhn - a committee member of the Motorcycle Riders Association of SA and a Justice of the Peace - said the group was formed because of deep concern anyone associated with a member of a club would be found guilty under the law."The Government is now controlling and dictating relationships," he said."Not all bikers are criminals and this Act doesn't differentiate between the two."Mr Kuhn is not the only member of the public questioning the civil liberties said to be lost under the Act.The SA Law Society, the SA Council of Social Services, various Aboriginal groups, the Greens and the Australian Democrats have all voiced concern about the legislation.
"This law is designed exactly to find people guilty by association," Descendants club member Tom Mackie told AAP."We are a lot of the things that are said about us, but we are not all of them."
However, Premier Mike Rann said the lawyers who represented bikies and civil libertarians had painted an "almost fairytale concoction" that could lead the public to believe gang members had been awarded Australian of the Year.
And as if that isn't a defiant enough show of unity, a group of motorcycling enthusiasts, including members of opposing clubs, are only a few application process steps away from forming a legitimate political party.The unlikely alliance, known as the FREE Australia Party, hopes to hit South Australia's premier where it hurts - in parliament.The party's leader, Paul Kuhn - a committee member of the Motorcycle Riders Association of SA and a Justice of the Peace - said the group was formed because of deep concern anyone associated with a member of a club would be found guilty under the law."The Government is now controlling and dictating relationships," he said."Not all bikers are criminals and this Act doesn't differentiate between the two."Mr Kuhn is not the only member of the public questioning the civil liberties said to be lost under the Act.The SA Law Society, the SA Council of Social Services, various Aboriginal groups, the Greens and the Australian Democrats have all voiced concern about the legislation.
"This law is designed exactly to find people guilty by association," Descendants club member Tom Mackie told AAP."We are a lot of the things that are said about us, but we are not all of them."
However, Premier Mike Rann said the lawyers who represented bikies and civil libertarians had painted an "almost fairytale concoction" that could lead the public to believe gang members had been awarded Australian of the Year.
Saturday, 28 November 2009
Elizabeth Diane Sluder, 25, is the daughter of local Hell's Angels president Dwight Sluder, 48, who was found dead from a gunshot wound to his head.
Daughter of a Hell's Angels member found murdered at a home on Baux Mountain Road last July was one of five people arrested following a joint investigation into the motorcycle gang involving the illegal possession and sale of firearms, illegal narcotics, counterfeiting, and larcenies.
Elizabeth Diane Sluder, 25, is the daughter of local Hell's Angels president Dwight Sluder, 48, who was found dead from a gunshot wound to his head.
Forsyth County Sheriff's Department Maj. Brad Stanley said the arrest came after authorities executed search warrants at three homes on Circle Drive, a home on Germanton Road and another home on Pisgah Circle in Kernersville. Stanley said one of the searched homes on Circle Drive is the Hell's Angels clubhouse.
Stanley said deputies seized guns, explosives, illegal controlled substances such as methamphetamines, cocaine, and marijuana.
In addition to Sluder's arrest, William David Taylor, 41, Oscar Benjamin Tadlock Jr., 46, and Jason Edward Beard, 42 -- all said to be affiliated with the gang -- were arrested and charged Monday. A fifth person was arrested Tuesday in the investigation. Stanley said Robert Joe Pugh, 56, was arrested and charged with larceny. He was released after posting a $1,000 bond.
Sluder was charged with possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a weapon of mass destruction and was released from the Forsyth County Jail after posting a $10,000.
Taylor was charged with two counts of trafficking methamphetamine, selling methamphetamine, possession with the intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine, maintaining a dwelling for drugs, possession of stolen firearm, possession of weapon of mass destruction and felony larceny. He was being held on a $500,000.
Tadlock Jr. was charged with trafficking opium/heroin, possession with the intent to sell and deliver cocaine, felony possession of marijuana, selling cocaine, possession with the intent to sell and deliver cocaine and maintaining a dwelling for drugs. He was being held on a $260,000 bond.
Beard was charged with possession with the intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released after posting a $15,000 bond.
The investigation into Dwight Sluder's death remains open.
Investigators said in September that there were no signs of forced entry, no signs of a robbery and no signs of a struggle. Investigators have said they think Sluder's killer knew him and could have been a business acquaintance or a member of a rival gang.
http://www.wxii12.com/news/21714212/detail.html
http://www.wxii12.com/news/21714212/detail.html
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
49-year-old career criminal and police snitch Franco Atanasovic is back in court, accused of bilking friends and neighbours of tens of thousands
49-year-old career criminal and police snitch Franco Atanasovic is back in court, accused of bilking friends and neighbours of tens of thousands of dollars each while living under the witness protection program.
The Winnipeg Sun is not identifying Atanasovic's alleged victims, where the incidents occurred, or any other details that might reveal his whereabouts. The alleged victims say the fraud occurred as Atanasovic was set to testify against local Hells Angels Ian Grant and Ernie Dew.
Two of the alleged victims say they notified Atanasovic's RCMP handler of his activities and were threatened with arrest if they exposed him.
"I said maybe a guy should go to the media so that other people aren't getting taken by this guy," said one man. "That's when he proceeded to tell me that if I did he would have me arrested with interfering with an RCMP investigation."
The Sun has confirmed that Atanasovic, under a new name, is before a provincial court outside Manitoba charged with fraud. His alleged victims say he convinced them to give him up to $60,000 each in return for goods that were never delivered.
Atanasovic's testimony was instrumental in the convictions of Grant and Dew. Grant was found guilty at trial of drug trafficking and extortion and sentenced in May 2007 to 15 years in prison.
Dew, the former Manitoba chapter president, was found guilty of drug and organized crime charges and sentenced last March to eight and a half years in prison. The Manitoba Court of Appeal has since overturned his conviction and ordered a new trial.
One victim who lived on the same street as Atanasovic claims he told him his real name and that he worked undercover for police.
"He actually told me the first time I met him that he worked undercover for them against the Hells Angels in Winnipeg," the man said. "He said that was why he had the motorcycle in the garage. He said the RCMP bought him the house and moved him here."
The man claims Atanasovic strung him along for months, promising him delivery of the goods he had bought.
When the man met another neighbour who also claimed to be a victim and learned about Atanasovic's criminal background, the man demanded Atanasovic give him his money back.
The man says Atanasovic continued to stall him, promising imminent delivery of his goods. Atanasovic later moved to a $1.5-million home in the same city and allegedly continued to defraud new victims, one man told the Sun.
Two subsequent victims said they never would have been cheated if police had taken action when warned of Atanasovic's alleged activities. One man, who allegedly lost $50,000 to Atanasovic, said RCMP "turned a blind eye" to Atanasovic's criminal activities. "I can't believe that they can put a guy in witness protection, knowing he is continuing criminal activities, and not get involved," he said. Victims say their complaints went unanswered by the RCMP, who advised them to file civil lawsuits against Atanasovic. He was eventually charged criminally following an investigation by municipal police. Atanasovic was set to testify against local Hells Angels Ian Grant and Ernie Dew. Two of the alleged victims say they notified Atanasovic's RCMP handler of his activities and were threatened with arrest if they exposed him. "I said maybe a guy should go to the media so that other people aren't getting taken by this guy," said one man. "That's when he proceeded to tell me that if I did he would have me arrested with interfering with an RCMP investigation."
court outside Manitoba charged with fraud. His alleged victims say he convinced them to give him up to $60,000 each in return for goods that were never delivered.
Atanasovic's testimony was instrumental in the convictions of Grant and Dew. Grant was found guilty at trial of drug trafficking and extortion and sentenced in May 2007 to 15 years in prison. Dew, the former Manitoba chapter president, was found guilty of drug and organized crime charges and sentenced last March to eight and a half years in prison. The Manitoba Court of Appeal has since overturned his conviction and ordered a new trial. One victim who lived on the same street as Atanasovic claims he told him his real name and that he worked undercover for police.
"He actually told me the first time I met him that he worked undercover for them against the Hells Angels in Winnipeg," the man said. "He said that was why he had the motorcycle in the garage. He said the RCMP bought him the house and moved him here." The man claims Atanasovic strung him along for months, promising him delivery of the goods he had bought. When the man met another neighbour who also claimed to be a victim and learned about Atanasovic's criminal background, the man demanded Atanasovic give him his money back. The man says Atanasovic continued to stall him, promising imminent delivery of his goods. Atanasovic later moved to a $1.5-million home in the same city and allegedly continued to defraud new victims, one man told the Sun. Two subsequent victims said they never would have been cheated if police had taken action when warned of Atanasovic's alleged activities. One man, who allegedly lost $50,000 to Atanasovic, said RCMP "turned a blind eye" to Atanasovic's criminal activities. "I can't believe that they can put a guy in witness protection, knowing he is continuing criminal activities, and not get involved," he said.
Victims say their complaints went unanswered by the RCMP, who advised them to file civil lawsuits against Atanasovic. He was eventually charged criminally following an investigation by municipal police.
The Winnipeg Sun is not identifying Atanasovic's alleged victims, where the incidents occurred, or any other details that might reveal his whereabouts. The alleged victims say the fraud occurred as Atanasovic was set to testify against local Hells Angels Ian Grant and Ernie Dew.
Two of the alleged victims say they notified Atanasovic's RCMP handler of his activities and were threatened with arrest if they exposed him.
"I said maybe a guy should go to the media so that other people aren't getting taken by this guy," said one man. "That's when he proceeded to tell me that if I did he would have me arrested with interfering with an RCMP investigation."
The Sun has confirmed that Atanasovic, under a new name, is before a provincial court outside Manitoba charged with fraud. His alleged victims say he convinced them to give him up to $60,000 each in return for goods that were never delivered.
Atanasovic's testimony was instrumental in the convictions of Grant and Dew. Grant was found guilty at trial of drug trafficking and extortion and sentenced in May 2007 to 15 years in prison.
Dew, the former Manitoba chapter president, was found guilty of drug and organized crime charges and sentenced last March to eight and a half years in prison. The Manitoba Court of Appeal has since overturned his conviction and ordered a new trial.
One victim who lived on the same street as Atanasovic claims he told him his real name and that he worked undercover for police.
"He actually told me the first time I met him that he worked undercover for them against the Hells Angels in Winnipeg," the man said. "He said that was why he had the motorcycle in the garage. He said the RCMP bought him the house and moved him here."
The man claims Atanasovic strung him along for months, promising him delivery of the goods he had bought.
When the man met another neighbour who also claimed to be a victim and learned about Atanasovic's criminal background, the man demanded Atanasovic give him his money back.
The man says Atanasovic continued to stall him, promising imminent delivery of his goods. Atanasovic later moved to a $1.5-million home in the same city and allegedly continued to defraud new victims, one man told the Sun.
Two subsequent victims said they never would have been cheated if police had taken action when warned of Atanasovic's alleged activities. One man, who allegedly lost $50,000 to Atanasovic, said RCMP "turned a blind eye" to Atanasovic's criminal activities. "I can't believe that they can put a guy in witness protection, knowing he is continuing criminal activities, and not get involved," he said. Victims say their complaints went unanswered by the RCMP, who advised them to file civil lawsuits against Atanasovic. He was eventually charged criminally following an investigation by municipal police. Atanasovic was set to testify against local Hells Angels Ian Grant and Ernie Dew. Two of the alleged victims say they notified Atanasovic's RCMP handler of his activities and were threatened with arrest if they exposed him. "I said maybe a guy should go to the media so that other people aren't getting taken by this guy," said one man. "That's when he proceeded to tell me that if I did he would have me arrested with interfering with an RCMP investigation."
court outside Manitoba charged with fraud. His alleged victims say he convinced them to give him up to $60,000 each in return for goods that were never delivered.
Atanasovic's testimony was instrumental in the convictions of Grant and Dew. Grant was found guilty at trial of drug trafficking and extortion and sentenced in May 2007 to 15 years in prison. Dew, the former Manitoba chapter president, was found guilty of drug and organized crime charges and sentenced last March to eight and a half years in prison. The Manitoba Court of Appeal has since overturned his conviction and ordered a new trial. One victim who lived on the same street as Atanasovic claims he told him his real name and that he worked undercover for police.
"He actually told me the first time I met him that he worked undercover for them against the Hells Angels in Winnipeg," the man said. "He said that was why he had the motorcycle in the garage. He said the RCMP bought him the house and moved him here." The man claims Atanasovic strung him along for months, promising him delivery of the goods he had bought. When the man met another neighbour who also claimed to be a victim and learned about Atanasovic's criminal background, the man demanded Atanasovic give him his money back. The man says Atanasovic continued to stall him, promising imminent delivery of his goods. Atanasovic later moved to a $1.5-million home in the same city and allegedly continued to defraud new victims, one man told the Sun. Two subsequent victims said they never would have been cheated if police had taken action when warned of Atanasovic's alleged activities. One man, who allegedly lost $50,000 to Atanasovic, said RCMP "turned a blind eye" to Atanasovic's criminal activities. "I can't believe that they can put a guy in witness protection, knowing he is continuing criminal activities, and not get involved," he said.
Victims say their complaints went unanswered by the RCMP, who advised them to file civil lawsuits against Atanasovic. He was eventually charged criminally following an investigation by municipal police.
Mark Larner handed himself in to police in the Bristol area earlier this month
Mark Larner was granted bail after being found guilty of riot at Birmingham Crown Court in May, but failed to appear for sentencing alongside seven other bikers in June.The 47-year-old, formerly of Tudor Road, Upper Gornal, near Dudley, handed himself in to police in the Bristol area earlier this month.Three other members of the Hell’s Angels and four members of the Outlaws motorcycle gang were convicted of riot for their part in violent clashes which erupted at Birmingham International Airport on January 20 last year.Larner, whose co-defendants were each jailed for six years, was due to be sentenced by Judge Patrick Thomas QC at Birmingham Crown Court
Mahmoud "Mick" Hawi, 29, chief of the Comacheros will face prosecution over the murder of Anthony Zervas, 29,
LEADER of an Australian motorcycle gang has been charged with murder over a fatal fight involving rival biker gangs at Sydney airport, Australia.
Mahmoud "Mick" Hawi, 29, chief of the Comacheros will face prosecution over the murder of Anthony Zervas, 29, who was bludgeoned to death during a mass brawl involving up to 20 bikers at Sydney's domestic terminal in March.
Police said they arrested Hawi at his home Tuesday and charged him with the murder of Zervas, the brother of a Hells Angel gang member.
Mahmoud "Mick" Hawi, 29, chief of the Comacheros will face prosecution over the murder of Anthony Zervas, 29, who was bludgeoned to death during a mass brawl involving up to 20 bikers at Sydney's domestic terminal in March.
Police said they arrested Hawi at his home Tuesday and charged him with the murder of Zervas, the brother of a Hells Angel gang member.
Mark Larner, 47, was found guilty of rioting in a biker gang punch-up in May this year, but fled to South Africa while on bail before being sentenced.
HELLS ANGEL who was recently rearrested by Police after being convicted of taking part in a riot at Birmingham International Airport has been jailed for six years.Mark Larner, 47, was found guilty of rioting in a biker gang punch-up in May this year, but fled to South Africa while on bail before being sentenced.Seven rival gang members who took part in the airport brawl in January 2008 were sentenced in June for six years each for rioting.
Saturday, 21 November 2009
Ian Grant was eligible for accelerated day parole because he has served one-sixth of his first federal sentence for what are considered non-violent crimes
Ian Grant was eligible for accelerated day parole because he has served one-sixth of his first federal sentence for what are considered non-violent crimes. But the National Parole Board quickly rejected his bid earlier this month, according to documents obtained by the Winnipeg Free Press.“The board is satisfied there are reasonable grounds to believe that, if released, you are likely to commit an offence involving violence before the expiration of your sentence,” the board wrote.Police arrested Grant and 12 other biker associates in February 2006 based on the work of career criminal Franco Atanasovic, who was paid $525,000 to infiltrate the Hells.Grant wasn’t even an original target when police began their investigation in early 2005, but he quickly came on the radar when he began extorting an old drug debt from Atanasovic. Police ended up giving their agent thousands of dollars to pay to Grant to buy him more time. Grant eventually sold two kilograms of cocaine and one kilo of crystal meth to Atanasovic, although he was never actually caught in the act. He used lower-level couriers to do his bidding, but jurors clearly accepted the agent’s word they were acting on Grant’s directions. More than $6,000 in marked police money used in the drug buys was found inside Grant’s safety deposit box, along with nearly $60,000 in other cash from drug proceeds.Grant insisted his crimes were not connected to his involvement with the Hells Angels. Grant was ordered at his sentencing hearing to pay a $118,000 fine, which is the amount he pocketed from three major drug deals he was caught doing. However, he recently chose to have an extra two years added to his overall sentence.The 17-year total penalty is one of the stiffest ever given for drug crimes in this province.
Jason William Brown, 34, was among 18 members of the Hells Angels or associates arrested
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Mark Larner, 47, fled to South Africa with after being found guilty in May 2008 of his involvement in the riot
Mark Larner, 47, fled to South Africa with after being found guilty in May 2008 of his involvement in the riot.
Angels member has handed himself into UK Police after going on the run following his conviction over a riot between rival gangs at Birmingham International Airport.It's reported Larner returned to the UK, walked into a police station in the Bristol area and handed himself in.Larner was one of eight men convicted at Birmingham Crown Court earlier this year for their part in the mass brawl between rival members of the Hells Angels and Outlaws biker gangs at the international airport in January 2008.A West Midlands Police spokesman said: “Mark Larner walked into a police station in the Bristol area and handed himself in. He was arrested and brought to Birmingham. He is currently in custody and will appear at Birmingham Crown Court on November 23 where he will be sentenced.”The other seven members of the biker gangs were each jailed for six years.
Angels member has handed himself into UK Police after going on the run following his conviction over a riot between rival gangs at Birmingham International Airport.It's reported Larner returned to the UK, walked into a police station in the Bristol area and handed himself in.Larner was one of eight men convicted at Birmingham Crown Court earlier this year for their part in the mass brawl between rival members of the Hells Angels and Outlaws biker gangs at the international airport in January 2008.A West Midlands Police spokesman said: “Mark Larner walked into a police station in the Bristol area and handed himself in. He was arrested and brought to Birmingham. He is currently in custody and will appear at Birmingham Crown Court on November 23 where he will be sentenced.”The other seven members of the biker gangs were each jailed for six years.
Bikes, Blues and Barbeque Only the ladies can bring their bikes in the show
organizers of Bikes, Blues and Barbeque will introduce a new bike rally this summer targeted at female bikers called "Bikes, Babes and Bling."The Fayetteville A&P Commission gave a $20,000 grant Tuesday to help jump-start the event.Coleson Burns, the event director, said female bikers are a large part of the biker demographic."Research shows the ladies are the biggest proponent of motorcycle sales," Burns said.Burns said the event will be geared specifically toward women.
"Only the ladies can bring their bikes in the show," Burns said. "When we have the parade it will only be a parade for the ladies."The Fayetteville A&P Commission gave a $20,000 grant to help get the festival rolling.
"We’ve tried to work with the city to find a time where we can try to help stimulate the economy around here," Burns said.Organizers said the rally is expected to bring in between 15,000 and 25,000 bikers, both male and female.
"Only the ladies can bring their bikes in the show," Burns said. "When we have the parade it will only be a parade for the ladies."The Fayetteville A&P Commission gave a $20,000 grant to help get the festival rolling.
"We’ve tried to work with the city to find a time where we can try to help stimulate the economy around here," Burns said.Organizers said the rally is expected to bring in between 15,000 and 25,000 bikers, both male and female.
Bikes, Babes and Bling will be held July 15-17 in Fayetteville.
James Vernon Hoback, 43, an auto mechanic from Pilot, Va., known as "Timex," admitted in federal court Tuesday that he helped others take military grade C4 and two hand grenades across state lines to Princeton
James Vernon Hoback, 43, an auto mechanic from Pilot, Va., known as "Timex," admitted in federal court Tuesday that he helped others take military grade C4 and two hand grenades across state lines to Princeton, W.Va.The explosives were part of a stockpile of weapons to be used in an ongoing war against the Hell's Angels, a rival motorcycle gang that had a longstanding turf war with the Pagans, according to a stipulation of facts filed as part of Hoback's plea.Hoback was one of 55 defendants named in a sweeping 44-count indictment unsealed last month in Charleston. Prosecutors allege that the Pagans and affiliated motorcycle gangs used violence and intimidation to control a criminal organization that operated from New Jersey to Florida.Several Pagans, including national president David K. "Bart" Barbeito, 49, of Myersville, Md., and Floyd B. "Jessie" Moore, 64, of St. Albans, face racketeering charges for allegedly trying to strong-arm members of smaller clubs into following orders from the Pagans' governing body, or "Mother Club."
Other counts accuse gang members and associates of kidnapping, robbery and attempted murder for conspiring to kill an incarcerated member of the Pagans whom they believed was cooperating with law enforcement. The indictment also alleges that proceeds from illegal raffles -- purportedly for non-existent motorcycles -- were funneled into the criminal enterprise.According to Hoback's stipulation, Charles H. "Tombstone Charlie" Nichols, of Roanoke, Va., obtained the explosives and gave them to Hoback, who in turn gave them to Richard Howard Leslie "Reverse" Smith. Smith, 58, also of Roanoke, Va., took the C4 and hand grenades to Ronnie Howerton, a member of the Pagans who was known to be collecting weapons to use against the Hell's Angels, in Princeton, the stipulation states.
"Hoback helped transfer the explosives to Howerton with the intent that the explosives would be used to kill, injure or intimidate another individual," the stipulation states.Although Smith and Nichols were named in the indictment, Howerton was not.Nichols died last month while in custody at the South Central Regional Jail. Authorities said Nichols died from complications from previous medical conditions.Hoback faces up to 10 years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas E. Johnston on March 8.
Other counts accuse gang members and associates of kidnapping, robbery and attempted murder for conspiring to kill an incarcerated member of the Pagans whom they believed was cooperating with law enforcement. The indictment also alleges that proceeds from illegal raffles -- purportedly for non-existent motorcycles -- were funneled into the criminal enterprise.According to Hoback's stipulation, Charles H. "Tombstone Charlie" Nichols, of Roanoke, Va., obtained the explosives and gave them to Hoback, who in turn gave them to Richard Howard Leslie "Reverse" Smith. Smith, 58, also of Roanoke, Va., took the C4 and hand grenades to Ronnie Howerton, a member of the Pagans who was known to be collecting weapons to use against the Hell's Angels, in Princeton, the stipulation states.
"Hoback helped transfer the explosives to Howerton with the intent that the explosives would be used to kill, injure or intimidate another individual," the stipulation states.Although Smith and Nichols were named in the indictment, Howerton was not.Nichols died last month while in custody at the South Central Regional Jail. Authorities said Nichols died from complications from previous medical conditions.Hoback faces up to 10 years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas E. Johnston on March 8.
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
20 members of the Iron Horsemen, Vigilantes and Hells Angels bikie gangs, including the Hells Angels, converged
20 members of several bikie gangs, including the Hells Angels, converged on the scene as paramedics tended to the injured 45-year-old man and his 46-year-old female pillion passenger. The pair, both from Craigieburn, were travelling north along La Trobe Tce at the intersection of Roebuck St in Geelong just after 4pm, when witnesses say the man was catapulted above the height of the purple Honda, which was heading east through the intersection. It is believed the pair had been travelling as part of a motorcycle club convoy around the bay when the crash occurred. Both were rushed to Geelong Hospital, where the man was last night in a serious but stable condition, while the woman was considered stable. The elderly female driver of the other vehicle appeared to walk away unscathed. About two dozen motorcycle gang members, including members from the Iron Horsemen, Vigilantes and Hells Angels, were beside the road consoling one another at the scene after the incident. Several held vigil outside Geelong Hospital last night. A police spokesperson could not confirm if the pair were members of a motorcycle gang. Witnesses told the Geelong Advertiser part of a larger convoy of riders had successfully made it through the intersection before the crash.
"I noticed a few bikies went through before the change (of lights)," one witness, who was stopped at the intersection travelling southbound, said
"One body flew up in the air a bit above the height of the car and another one went on the ground. The first guy didn't look like he was moving and the second one looked like they just clipped it." The Honda had a broken window and damage to the driver's side, while the motorbike, with a mangled front wheel, was towed away by a private vehicle after being lifted into a trailer by several club members. The accident blocked northbound traffic along La Trobe Tce, which was diverted along Myers St for more than 15 minutes, while ambulance officers stabilised the two riders and firefighters dusted the road with dirt to soak up oil spilled from the accident.
"I noticed a few bikies went through before the change (of lights)," one witness, who was stopped at the intersection travelling southbound, said
"One body flew up in the air a bit above the height of the car and another one went on the ground. The first guy didn't look like he was moving and the second one looked like they just clipped it." The Honda had a broken window and damage to the driver's side, while the motorbike, with a mangled front wheel, was towed away by a private vehicle after being lifted into a trailer by several club members. The accident blocked northbound traffic along La Trobe Tce, which was diverted along Myers St for more than 15 minutes, while ambulance officers stabilised the two riders and firefighters dusted the road with dirt to soak up oil spilled from the accident.
Hells Angels bullied their way into legitimate businesses and used them for money-laundering
Hells Angels bullied their way into legitimate businesses and used them for money-laundering. The arrests helped underscore the towering scale of an ongoing scandal in Quebec over the construction industry’s criminal underbelly. The arrests were completely separate from Operation Hammer, the high-profile probe into allegations of Mafia-related activity that have rocked the industry and the province’s political class.
The arrests Tuesday stemmed from an earlier probe into just one network, in just one criminal organization — the Hells biker gang. Police told a news conference that they began their investigation into the Hells’ construction ties in March, and had issued 20 arrest warrants since then for crimes ranging from extortion, to uttering threats, to money-laundering. They arrested 10 people Tuesday in the final phase of that investigation, dubbed Operation Diligence. A police spokesman said four other people were still being sought on warrants and remained on the lam.
Quebec’s construction industry has come under heavy scrutiny more recently, amid reports of companies colluding to boost the cost of construction projects, then funding political parties and sharing their profits with the Mafia.
Those allegations caused the provincial government to launch a separate investigation — Operation Hammer — last month.
The earlier investigation — Operation Diligence — stemmed from a crackdown on the Hells Angels last spring. Provincial police began investigating biker activity in the industry for the purpose of money-laundering.
Tuesday’s arrests are being linked to Normand Marvin “Casper“ Ouimet, an alleged Hells Angels member wanted for first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and gangsterism. He remains at large.
Police say Ouimet, 39, is a player in Quebec’s construction and masonry industry.
The arrests Tuesday stemmed from an earlier probe into just one network, in just one criminal organization — the Hells biker gang. Police told a news conference that they began their investigation into the Hells’ construction ties in March, and had issued 20 arrest warrants since then for crimes ranging from extortion, to uttering threats, to money-laundering. They arrested 10 people Tuesday in the final phase of that investigation, dubbed Operation Diligence. A police spokesman said four other people were still being sought on warrants and remained on the lam.
Quebec’s construction industry has come under heavy scrutiny more recently, amid reports of companies colluding to boost the cost of construction projects, then funding political parties and sharing their profits with the Mafia.
Those allegations caused the provincial government to launch a separate investigation — Operation Hammer — last month.
The earlier investigation — Operation Diligence — stemmed from a crackdown on the Hells Angels last spring. Provincial police began investigating biker activity in the industry for the purpose of money-laundering.
Tuesday’s arrests are being linked to Normand Marvin “Casper“ Ouimet, an alleged Hells Angels member wanted for first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and gangsterism. He remains at large.
Police say Ouimet, 39, is a player in Quebec’s construction and masonry industry.
The Riders have many characteristics of an outlaw motorcycle gang, and operate under the control of the Hells Angels
leather vests and jackets are emblazoned with diabolic skulls in fedoras and the words "Bay Riders." The club is a registered nonprofit, and was recently on the TV news for donating $1,000 to foster kids. But police don't buy the philanthropic Santa on wheels bit. They say the Riders have many characteristics of an outlaw motorcycle gang, and operate under the control of the Hells Angels.Officer Dan Silver, the gang task force cop who monitors the group with an FBI partner, says the Riders are the biggest Angels support club that sprang up a year ago in response to the murder of Mark "Papa" Guardado. Guardado, the president of Hells Angels' Frisco chapter, was gunned down in the Mission in September 2008, allegedly by a rival Mongols motorcycle gang member.Silver says there are at least 30 Bay Riders members in San Francisco, the North Bay, and the Peninsula. They dock their bikes at hangouts in the Excelsior, SOMA, Dogpatch, and the Embarcadero, and have been advertising their first anniversary motorcycle run on Nov. 8. "To keep the Mongols out of the city, the Bay Riders appeared like wildfire," he says. "A huge new group was formed to increase the number of allied personnel."The Riders first appeared on the cops' radar at their "Break Out Party" one year ago at Jelly's club on Pier 50, which ended in gunfire. The club's manager said he heard a car had driven up to the club, "ghost ridding [sic], wilding out, driving out of control," according to the police report. Someone opened fire on the vehicle and hit the woman passenger in the shoulder. She survived, and police have made no arrests in the case.Silver suspects the Riders "are being tasked with doing things for the Hells Angels," like providing security at events. In late August, SF Weekly talked to a man who identified as a Rider hanging outside Pier 23 on the Embarcadero. He said Riders are required to attend Angels events, and that some Riders were transporting out-of-town Angels to and from the 55th anniversary party of the Frisco chapter that very night."I think there's a strong possibility we're going to see some Bay Riders become Hells Angels," Silver says, adding he had heard at least one Rider was "prospecting" to become an Angel, something akin to rushing the biker fraternity.We requested an interview with the Riders' CEO, but he refused to speak on the record. We did talk to Dominic Guardado, son of the late Mark Guardado, who confirmed that he and his brother are Riders members but refused to discuss any connection to the Angels. "If you put only what the SFPD has to say, people will probably see only see the negative aspects," he said, adding, "We're all about the community. We're not around to intimidate people. We're motorcycle enthusiasts."
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