NCJ Number
175745
Journal
Gazette Volume: 60 Issue: 9 &10 Dated: September/October 1998 Pages: 30-35
Date Published
1998
Length
6 pages
Annotation
After describing the structure and methods of telemarketing- fraud enterprises, this article profiles investigative techniques and prevention efforts for countering this type of crime.
Abstract
Outlaw motorcycle gangs are still around after 50 years and are apparently stronger than ever. Investigations have shown that the Hells Angels are a highly structured, worldwide, criminal organization with a rigid chain of command and a written code of biker ethics. The gang remains highly mobile, extremely violent, and prone to associate with other outlaw motorcycle gangs or organized crime families to further their criminal ends. All in all, the Hells Angels meet every definition and criteria of an organized crime family. According to the Criminal Intelligence Service Canada in a 1997 report, in the last five decades the Hells Angels has evolved from a gang of rowdy and violent motorcycle enthusiasts at war with society to a highly sophisticated transnational criminal organization. They are willing to go to any extent to expand and protect their control over the international drug trade. A full-patch Angel has access to millions of illicit dollars, earned through a combination of cunning, brutality, extortion, intimidation, drug-dealing, prostitution, and murder-for-hire.