The Hells Angels Gangs: A Case Study

The Hells Angels motorcycle club is spread out all over the world. Holly Yan, a CNN reporter stated that there are over 230 chapters in the US and 26 other countries (2015). She also quoted the Department of Justice saying, “Hells Angels pose a criminal threat on six continents” (Yan, 2015). Just like in any gang it seems, they do have ties to the drug trade. They produce and distribute drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine, hashish, heroin, ecstasy, PCP and LSD. According to the DOJ, they are “also involved in other criminal activity including assault, extortion, homicide, money laundering, and motorcycle theft” (Yan, 2015).
They act just like any other club, and charge their members a due of $100 a month (Serwer, 2012). All of that money stays in whatever chapter that member is a part of. If someone looks
Anthony Tait, who worked undercover for the FBI was a member of Hells Angels. He stated that he “saw countless instances of narcotics use and sales, rape, felony battery, petty theft, grand theft, weapons violations of all kinds, and extortion, as well as murders being planned and descriptions of murders already committed” (Serwer, 2012). This undercover op brought down more than 30 Hells Angels over the span of several years.
You may be able to point a member of Hells Angels; strangely hair, torn cloths, tattoos, vests with patches, etc. This image may portray them to be big bad motorcycle dudes that are involved with illegal things, and you may not be wrong. However they are trying to change their image, and by being involved with certain charities, they may be able to soften their image. People are starting to view them as do-gooders with a bad rep from law enforcement, but law enforcement is trying all they can to remind people that this particular motorcycle club is very