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As the Hells Angels celebrate their 35th birthday with a party in Nanaimo this weekend, police say the group continues to grow in British Columbia. despite a string of arrests and resounding condemnations over the past decade.
More than 300 bikers from across Canada are expected to celebrate the day the top three BCs From the 25th Anniversary Party in Langley ten years ago, members of Canada's most famous gang British Columbia were murdered, shot, charged with murder and found guilty of international drug trafficking, extortion, manslaughter. and more.
The BC Hells Angels began with branches in Nanaimo, Vancouver and White Rock and expanded to 10 chapters and 114 members, entry-level perspectives and hangarounds – the term used for men who hope join them
and make sure the bikers' festivities do not get out of hand.
Sgt. Brenda Winpenny, of the British Columbia Anti-Gang Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, said, "It's well documented that a lot of the participants are individuals and members of badociated clubs who participate in criminal activities. Sgt. Lindsey Houghton highlighted the many high-profile cases of recent years linking the Hells Angels to violence, drug trafficking and other crimes.
In 2013, Kelowna Hells Angels Norm Cocks and Robert Thomas pled guilty to manslaughter for beating and killing Kelowna grandfather Dain Phillips while he was trying to resolve a dispute that his sons had with Hells Angels badociates. They were sentenced to 15 years
In September 2016, two more Kelowna Hells Angels were convicted for their role in an international cocaine import program concocted by the police as part of an ongoing operation. Infiltration
. Angels Bob Green was shot at an alcohol and drug night in Langley.
This year, West Point Hells Angel, Larry Amero, was charged with conspiracy for committing murders. Hells Angels Jason Arkinstall and Chad Wilson have been sentenced in Spain for importing cocaine.
"I think it's fair to say that there is a part of the public who sees through his lies and sees through this mystique of charity that they want to portray and see them for what they are, an important international criminal organization, "Houghton said. They are always expanding, they are always looking to consolidate their power base and make sure that they maintain the highest levels of influence and intimidation in the criminal landscape, the crime organized.
Nanaimo Mayor Bill McKay said Thursday does not expect problems at this year's party.
"To be honest with you, they came to town every year and had a big party at Angel Acres, I do not think they were ever really a problem," he said. About bikers and their big property, let the BC government try to seize a case of civil forfeiture.
"I do not expect this to cause problems for the community."
He said the provincial government would cover the costs of extra police in the city for
When he was asked if he saw the Hells Angels as an organized crime group, McKay said : "The police would know better than me, but I believe that there are links there, yes. The police are doing their job to keep our community safe, and we thank them for it.
Hells Angels spokesman Rick Ciarniello did not respond to the interview requests regarding the anniversary. Ciarniello was a fixture in the courtroom during the civil confiscation trial over the fate of three pavilions that, according to a government agency, would be used to commit future crimes if the Hells Angels were allowed to keep them [19659008]. was postponed until the fall.
Houghton said that despite the efforts of the police, some in the public still support the Hells Angels and "think they are OK people."
"We always see when they do these rides"
Seventy-one percent of BC's Hells Angels have criminal histories for violent crimes, according to Houghton.
And the Hells Angels are linked to other gangs such as the Red Scorpions, Independent Soldiers and Wolf Pack who have been directly involved in a violent gang war over the last decade, centered in the Vancouver area. [19659002] "We know the gang agency of the province a lot of work to do to educate the public about what these people and groups and what they are are really the reputation," he said. said.
© Copyright Times Colonist
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