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Showing posts with label Police Raid. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Police Raid. Show all posts

Saturday, July 30, 2022

Alleged Mongols MC hangout caught up in raid

Queensland, Australia (July 30, 2022) - Operation Viking, which began 6:00 am last Monday, resulted in more than $150,000 cash, seven firearms and a raft of prohibited drugs like methylamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana allegedly being seized across northern NSW and southeast Queensland. The combined street value of the drugs is estimated to be more than $4.5 million.
 


The operation was established by NSW Police in partnership with the NSW Crime Commission, Queensland Police, Federal Police and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission to gather intelligence and disrupt bikie activities across the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast border regions.



State Crime Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Jason Weinstein, said it was the result of two weeks of intensive overt and covert operations to shadow outlaw motorcycle club activity. During the search, officers allegedly located a bar at the rear of the home that contained Mongols paraphernalia, alcohol and an amount of marijuana.

All items were seized and the bar was dismantled.



Thursday, July 21, 2022

Hells Angels MC Clubhouses Raided

Westport, Massachusetts, USA (July 21, 2022) - A large law enforcement presence at a Hells Angels MC clubhouse in Westport on Thursday. Numerous armed law enforcement officers were spotted at the club located on American Legion Highway.


The FBI says the agency is conducting court-authorized activity in connection with an ongoing federal investigation.


Saturday, July 16, 2022

Police Raid on Hells Angels MC net Cash and Drugs

Auckland, New Zealand, (July, 16, 2022) - More than $2.4 million in cash, a firearm, methamphetamine and cannabis have been seized by NZ Police as part of an investigation into the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.
 


Police executed a series of search warrants at several residential and commercial addresses across Auckland last week as part of the National Organised Crime Group investigation, code named Operation Samson.

Operation Samson is investigating people and entities connected to the New Zealand chapter of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club. A 30-year-old patched member of the Hells Angels has been charged with money laundering and has appeared in the Auckland District Court.



Detective Inspector Albie Alexander, of the National Organised Crime Group, said this type of offending undermines the wellbeing of our communities.

“We will continue to target those who accumulate assets and wealth through illegal means,” Alexander said. “In conjunction with Operation Cobalt, we will also continue to target and suppress illegal gang activity in order to enhance the safety of our community and staff – and hold those responsible for this type of offending, to account.”

The investigation is ongoing, and police cannot rule out further arrests and charges being laid. “We are all committed to disrupting and dismantling these illegal trans-national networks operating in New Zealand,” Alexander said.

Thursday, September 2, 2021

Alleged Hells Angels MC Member Facing Charges

Glocester, R.I, USA (September 2, 2021) - An alleged member of the Rhode Island chapter of the Hells Angels motorcycle club is facing weapons and drug charges after he was arrested in Glocester.

Nicholas Lourenco, was taken into custody last Friday after officers executed a search warrant Friday at his home. While searching the residence, police said officers found an “illegal sophisticated marijuana growing operation.”
 


In total, officers confiscated 87 marijuana plants, 9.5 pounds of marijuana, several ounces of high-grade THC butter and cash, according to police. Police said officers also seized three firearms, including a loaded AK-47.

Lourenco has been charged with possession with intent to deliver marijuana and THC, as well as possession of firearms while in possession of narcotics. He was ordered held without bail during his arraignment pending the results of a status hearing scheduled for September 9, 2021.


Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Police Storm Hells Angels Clubhouse in Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia (September 1, 2021) - A Hells Angels MC clubhouse in Melbourne's north has been raided again as the search continues for an Adelaide man, who police suspect has been murdered.

Police stormed the Hells Angels MC clubhouse in Thomastown but did not find a body. The raid follows police carrying out searches of the Jacksons Creek area in Diggers Rest this month to try to find the Adelaide man's remains.
 


According to Victoria Police, the search of the Lipton Drive club house followed new information they were given in their investigation into Mr Giakoumis' disappearance. The clubhouse is the last place where the 29-year-old, who police believe was not a patched member of the Hells Angels MC, was known to have been seen, back in the early hours of Wednesday, 10 June 2020.



Mr Giakoumis had arrived in Melbourne from Adelaide on 5 June, 2020 with two people who police believe are members of the motorcycle club. He had told his family that he was planning to do concreting work in Melbourne. Giakoumis regularly spoke with his family after he arrived in Melbourne, but he stopped contacting them on Wednesday, 10 June 2020, when he didn't board his flight home to Adelaide. 

 A task force has been established to investigate Kerry’s disappearance and suspected murder. Police believe it is likely a dispute occurred on 10 June 2020, which may be connected to members or associates of the Hells Angels MC. 

Monday, May 3, 2021

Outlaws MC Clubhouse Raided in Anderson Indiana

Anderson, Indiana, USA (May 3, 2021) - Anderson Police, Madison County Sheriffs deputies and Indiana State troopers raided the Anderson, Indiana headquarters of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club Saturday.

Law enforcement were looking for a suspect and any evidence in a near fatal stabbing from middle April. “A warrant was executed, a warrant was obtained, and with two or three SWAT teams that warrant was executed last night at the Outlaws clubhouse. We took some evidence. What the value of that evidence is right now we really don’t know for sure. There may be some value there.” Madison County Prosecutor Rodney Cummings said. 
 

Cummings said investigators were searching for evidence regarding the assault of a Chicago man in the restroom of Woody’s Tavern in Lapel last month. “He came here, stopped in a bar, had Outlaws motorcycle club gear and patches, and there happened to be two real Outlaws MC members in the bar,” said Cummings. “They weren’t too happy to find he was a guy wearing the stuff but really wasn’t part of their club, got into a conflict, he got stabbed several times.”



Police have already arrested Matthew Pope, 46, and are still seeking Chris Smith, 34. “They concluded he was not a real Outlaw and the conflict took off and after they stabbed him, they took his colors and his jacket and left,” said Cummings. “He didn’t have those anymore.”

Cummings said the Outlaws have traditionally kept a low profile in Madison County and as a result have not been the target of any extensive criminal investigations. “There’s been Outlaws here for decades,” he said, “but off-and-on, sometimes they come, sometimes they go, it appears they’re coming back, making an appearance here.”






Sunday, May 2, 2021

Probate for Outlaws MC Charged by Police

Toronto, Ontario, (May 2, 2021) - Five people from Kingston and Whitby, including an Outlaws Motorcycle Club probationary member have been charged by police following a multi-jurisdictional investigation that yielded roughly $400,000 worth of drugs.

The street crime unit and drug enforcement unit narrowed their focus to the actions of a probationary member of the Kingston chapter of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club. Once the investigation focused on him, the Provincial Biker Enforcement Unit became involved, OPP Staff Sgt. Scott Wade said. He noted that Kingston Police are a major partner in the Biker Enforcement Unit.

“While this investigation does not involve criminal organization charges, it certainly highlights the criminal activity that outlaw motorcycle gangs are involved in,” Wade said.

Police claim he and his associates were selling drugs in the Kingston area. Later in the investigation, police learned residents of Whitby were also involved, Cunningham said. “They were higher-end drug dealers, and that cell has been disrupted,” Cunningham said. “I would say it will make a serious impact on the cocaine and fentanyl trafficking in Kingston.”


Bringing in assistance from the Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit and Durham Regional Police, investigators decided to search four residences on April 24. Two were in central Kingston, one was the Outlaws clubhouse in Wilton, and the fourth was in Whitby.

During the local searches, officers found fentanyl, cocaine, suspected hydromorphone pills, digital scales, cash, prohibited weapons, rifles, body armour and cellphones. Four vehicles were also seized as offence-related property. 

Sgt. Ed Cunningham of Kingston Police’s Street Crime unit said some items were seized from the clubhouse but could not say what.

The Outlaws MC said in a statement to the Whig-Standard on Sunday that no one was at the clubhouse at the time of the search and it was later turned back over to its members. Two men were arrested at the Kingston residences while they were being searched, and he was arrested later, Cunningham said.

During the searches at the four residences, police seized 381 grams of cocaine, 1,035 grams of fentanyl, approximately $120,000 in cash, an Outlaws MC probationary vest, 42 hydromorphone pills, digital scales, six vehicles, a cash-counting machine, nine long guns and ammunition, a collapsible baton, a conducted energy weapon baton, throwing stars, a crossbow with bolts, a ballistic vest and drug packaging.

Police estimate the drugs are worth about $400,000 and the vehicles are worth about $250,000.

Police have charged him, who resides in Kingston, with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of hydromorphone for the purpose of trafficking, possession of dangerous weapons, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a prohibited weapon, and possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000. Cunningham said police are still investigating further firearms offences. None of the charges have been proven in court. 

The Outlaws MC association said in an email to the Whig-Standard that it is shocked by the news release sent by Kingston Police. It also clarified that a “probate” is not an official member of the association. The statement says that no weapons, drugs, vehicles or large amount of cash were seized from the clubhouse.

The association said it would not support those charged through the court process and stood by the statement on its website that says it is not a criminal organization. The Probationary Outlaw MC vest was likely seized because it was relevant to the charges, Wade said. “The vest and the colours are important to outlaw motorcycle gangs because it’s how they project or show their power,” Wade said.

SOURCE: Ottawa Citizen  


Friday, May 1, 2020

Man Arrested In Fatal Club Shooting

Nashville, Tennessee, USA  (May 1, 2020) BTN - Authorities on Thursday found a weapons cache with over a dozen guns, thousands of rounds of ammunition and body armor during the arrest of a man suspected in a double homicide in Alabama.

Tyrone Johnson, 37, was wanted in connection to the fatal shooting of two men outside a motorcycle club in Huntsville, Alabama, on March 27.


A U.S. Marshal’s task force found 17 guns, two sets of body armor, and thousands of rounds ammunition when they arrested Johnson at his home in Nashville, Tennessee, according to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.

The shooting, which injured two others, was one of three shootings outside the club within an 8-hour span, according to AL.com. The Huntsville police chief described the incident as a "culmination" of tensions between motorcycle clubs.



Police said Johnson is being held on a $500,000 bond and is to be extradited to Alabama. It’s unclear if he has retained an attorney. Johnson is the second suspect arrested in the March incident that killed Bernard Griffin and Kelcey Smith.

Albert Vinson, 31, was charged earlier this month with two counts each of first-degree murder, first-degree assault, and discharging a weapon into an unoccupied building, according to county jail records. Records also show he was released on April 18. It is unclear whether Vinson has retained an attorney.

SOURCE: Nashville Police Department

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Firearms And Club Cuts Seized

Bancroft, Ontario (April 28, 2020) BTN - Two people were arrested during a raid by the Ontario Provincial Police’s biker enforcement unit in the town of Bancroft, Ontario. On April 22, the Ontario Provincial Police unit and the Belleville police’s tactical team searched a Bancroft home.


The Belleville police claimed numerous firearms, including rifles and handguns, and various types of drugs were seized during the warrant. The Belleville police released an image of items seized, which includes leather jackets with Outlaw Motorcycle Club logos on them.

Two people, 48-year-old Brian Sturgeon and 41-year-old Laura Power, both from Bancroft, were charged with the following:
  • Three counts of careless storage of a firearm 
  • Two counts of breach of firearms regulations 
  • Two counts of unauthorized possession of a weapon 
  • Possession of a schedule I substance 
  • Possession of a schedule II substance Possession of schedule III substance 
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
Both of the accused were released on bail. Belleville police are still investigating the case.

SOURCE: Big96

Thursday, February 27, 2020

Red Devils Clubhouse Raided

Halifax, Nova Scotia (February 27, 2020) BTN — RCMP raided the clubhouse of the Red Devils motorcycle club on Alma Crescent in Halifax on Thursday afternoon as part of an organized crime investigation.

Staff at the nearby Mary Brown’s Chicken outlet said they heard the commotion in the early afternoon. “There were cops here earlier,” Jennifer Nolasco said at about 3:15 p.m. “We heard like a bang, a loud one, a cop went inside and they said they threw tear gas (and) it will take a while for it to be gone.”

Police had left the scene by about 2:00 p.m., Nolasco said. “We just saw one police car but the cop said there were a few cars which were not visible.”

She said the officer who came into the fast food outlet told them they had a search warrant but the staff did not see if anyone was taken into custody.


Cpl. Lisa Croteau, spokeswoman for the Halifax District RCMP, confirmed the Mounties’ involvement.

“Nova Scotia RCMP is currently engaged in an operation that involves searches of a number of properties in the HRM,” she said. “This is an ongoing serious organized crime investigation and more information, including possible arrests, charges and seizures, will be published when available.”

Croteau could not specify what other locations besides the Alma Crescent residence was involved. Nor could she confirm it was the Red Devils clubhouse. Online sources identified the clubhouse.

Julian Sher, an investigative journalist and author of several books on bikers and organized crime, said the Red Devils are affiliated with the Hell’s Angels.

“These guys are Hells Angels wannabees,” Sher said in an email. “Puppet clubs of the outlaw motorcycle gangs are just as dangerous as the real thing – sometimes even more so. They are like a farm team for the HA and they want to prove they are as bad as the baddest.”

SOURCE: The Chronicle Herald

Bandidos Clubhouse Searched

Devonport, Tasmania, Australia (February 27, 2020) BTN — A 32 year old Bandidos Motorcycle Club member and a 39 year old Bandidos associate have been charged with stealing from a Devonport motel.


Police conducted a search at the Bandidos clubhouse on 26 February in relation to a stealing that had occurred the previous day at the Argosy Motel, where approximately $5000 in building materials had been stolen.


As a result of the search, all of the stolen property has been recovered.

Both men have been charged with stealing and have been bailed to appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court on 20 April.

Public Release: View in full here.

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Outlaws MC Members Charged

Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland (February 26, 2020) BTN — Eight people have been charged with trafficking cocaine as a result of an RCMP investigation into outlaw motorcycle clubs called Project Barbarian.


Six of those charged are members of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, also known as the Outlaws MC, or members of its support club the Fallen Few. Project Barbarian was a joint initiative between RCMP NL’s Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit and the Grand-Falls Windsor RCMP.


The RCMP Emergency Response Team assisted in the arrests and containment of the Outlaws MC clubhouse* located in Grand Falls-Windsor.

“Project Barbarian reflects our priority to disrupt inter-provincial criminal networks responsible for the distribution of illegal drugs in our communities,” said Staff Sergeant Stefan Thoms. “Much of the drugs on our streets are due to organized crime, which includes 1% Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs. These gangs often try to fool the public into believing that they are just motorcycle enthusiasts who give back to the community. That is simply not true. They are known for criminal activities, as we see here with many of those arrested being members and associates of the Outlaws MC. We will continue our work to target drug trafficking networks and lay charges wherever appropriate.

Charges laid:


  • Timothy Andrews, age 28 of Grand Falls Windsor, member of the Fallen Few: One count Trafficking cocaine, s. 5(1) CDSA
  • Ryan Ballard, age 28 of Grand Falls-Windsor, probate* (probationary) member of the Outlaws MC: One count Trafficking cocaine, s. 5(1) CDSA
  • Alonzo Brown, 62 years old of Peterview: One count Trafficking cocaine, s. 5(1) CDSA
  • Anthony Chow, age 33 of Grand Falls-Windsor, member of the Outlaws MC: One count Trafficking cocaine, s. 5(1) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA)
  • Michael Hayes, age 22 of Grand Falls-Windsor, member of the Fallen Few: Two counts Trafficking cocaine, s. 5(1) CDSA
  • Tyson Higgins, age 27 of Botwood: Two counts Trafficking cocaine, s. 5(1) CDSA
  • Dean Langdon, age 25 of Grand Falls Windsor, member of the Fallen Few: One count Trafficking cocaine, s. 5(1) CDSA
  • Jimmy Lee Newman, age 36 of Grand Falls-Windsor, member of the Fallen Few: One count Trafficking cocaine, s. 5(1) CDSA

RELATED | Arrests at Outlaws Clubhouse


The investigation included a search of the Outlaws MC clubhouse in Grand Falls-Windsor. Multiple items were seized:

  • Cocaine
  • Several telecommunication devices
  • Drug paraphernalia indicative of drug trafficking
  • One full patch Outlaws MC Vest
  • Two probationary Outlaws MC Vests
  • Clothing and support gear related to the Outlaws MC and the Fallen Few
  • Items related to the structure and organization of the Outlaws MC and the Fallen Few

Mongols MC Clubhouse Raided

Canterbury, New Zealand (February 26, 2020) BTN — Police have raided the new Canterbury headquarters of international motorcycle club the Mongols MC. No one was arrested and inquiries were "ongoing", a police spokesman said.

Part of State Highway 1 (SH1) was closed between Burnham and Rolleston on both sides about 7:00 am as the armed offenders squad and police carried out the planned search. It reopened about 8.30 am.


Stuff understands police raided the new headquarters for the Canterbury chapter of the Mongols MC, which has more than half a dozen members and associates.

Several police cars, including the mobile police bus and what looked like dog squad vans, were seen outside the headquarters at The Old Sawmill in Burnham, opposite the Burnham Military Camp.


The expansion of the Mongols, which first established itself in the Bay of Plenty last year, has created tension in Christchurch's underworld. In the past two weeks a barbershop with links to the club has been firebombed in separate attacks while a tattoo parlor was smashed into with a stolen ute.

Police are exploring whether the attacks are the work of a rival club.

A senior Canterbury-based Mongols figure was kicked out of the Hells Angels last year, which led to the disbandment of the clubs's Quake City chapter in Christchurch. He is linked to the tattoo parlor via an ex-partner.


At least one of the barbershop attacks is believed to have involved Molotov cocktail-like devices. A Mongols member has confirmed the club is connected to the barbershop, but it's unclear what that connection is.

Stuff earlier reported the Mongols MC, involved in a recent North Island shooting, had expanded into the South Island after senior members, including national president Jim Thacker, traveled to Christchurch and started the Canterbury chapter of the club.

A patched Mongols member previously said the barbershop was "sort of" connected to the club. "We haven't caused any trouble, it's just people not wanting us around … we're new to town," he said.

"We're not going out to go get some revenge or anything like that because that's just what everyone expects. That's just stupid, we'd rather just keep our family safe and move on with life, and start our businesses and be happy and ride motorbikes."

He expected police to come knocking on the doors of the clubhouse in the coming days as a result of the attacks. "They expect us to do the retaliation . . . it's just the way society is, we haven't done anything wrong but we're going to be painted out as bad people," he said.

The police spokesman said the armed offenders squad attended "as a precaution" and guarded the road at the Burnham end. Police could not provide any other details on the reason for the warrant.

SOURCE: Stuff

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Grim Reapers MC involved in federal indictment

Evansville, Indiana, USA (February 6, 2020) BTN - Seventeen people have been federally indicted for allegedly operating a drug ring in Indiana and Kentucky with ties to the Grim Reapers Motorcycle Club.

Grim Reapers Clubhouse after police raid

The following have been charged as part of Operation Reapin Benefits:
  • James Benton, 66, of Evansville
  • Brian Eden, 40, of Evansville
  • Gary Wayne Forston, 39, of Evansville
  • Clarence Grubbs, 48, of Evansville
  • Central Holman IV, 28, of Owensboro, Kentucky
  • Demoreal Killebrew, 21, of Owensboro
  • Adam Lafferty, 38, of Evansville
  • Shane Lewis, 32, of Evansville
  • April Martin, 45, of Evansville
  • Matthew Meredith, 40, of Evansville
  • Prince Moss, 34, of Owensboro
  • Paul Overby, 45, of Evansville
  • Derek Sander, 48, of Evansville
  • Daniel Wiscaver, 61, of Winslow
  • Jason Wilson, 42, of Evansville
  • Jesse Wilson, 34, of Evansville
  • Kimberly Wilson, 37, of Evansville

Some of the accused are members or associates of the Grim Reapers, which U.S. Attorney Josh Minkler called a criminal organization during a news conference Thursday morning in Evansville announcing the indictments.

Federal prosecutors believe Forston and Jason Wilson were the ringleaders of the group, which allegedly distributed methamphetamine in Evansville and nearby communities.

Forston, the Grim Reapers president, was previously indicted on weapons charges after a raid on the club in November. Holman was the ring's alleged supplier.

Almost all of the other defendants are believed to be mid-level distributors, accused of selling drugs to lower-level drug dealers or directly to users, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Related | Prez of Grim Reapers MC trial starts
Related | Feds Raid Grim Reapers Motorcycle Club


"Drugs, guns and money have been taken off our streets," Minkler said. "Armed drug dealers seeking to infest our cities and our towns with drugs have been taken off our streets."

Ten pounds of meth, 23 guns and $35,000 in cash were seized, Minkler said. The drugs, which now sit in evidence vaults, have an estimated street value of more than $250,000.

Fifteen of the accused are now in federal custody. Siblings Jesse and Kimberly Wilson are believed to be on the run. The indictments are the culmination of a sixth-month, multi-agency investigation, which included federal, state and local law enforcement.

Vanderburgh County Sheriff Dave Wedding used the news conference as an opportunity to call for expanding the county's jail.

"I will tell you something that makes me sick to the stomach is we have legislators on the state and federal level saying that we have a problem of over-incarceration, that we need to let people out of jail," he said.

"I am pleading for a larger jail to be built here in Vanderburgh County so the dirtbags that we take off the street will have a bed to sleep in at night," he added.

Prosecutors said all defendants except Sander could face between 10 years to life in prison if convicted. Sander could be sentenced to up to 10 years.

The U.S. Attorney's Office will also consider pursuing forfeiture of the Grim Reapers' headquarters in the 1100 block of East Diamond Avenue in Evansville. "What we don't want is the Grim Reapers to come back and relocate in that clubhouse and start doing business again," Minkler said.

SOURCE: Evansville Courier Press

Monday, January 27, 2020

Prez of Grim Reapers MC trial starts

Evansville, Indiana, USA (January 27, 2020) BTN - The trial of Gary Forston starts in US Federal Court today. Forston was indicted on federal gun charges.

Back in November of 2019, Federal and local law enforcement agents served a search warrant at the Grim Reapers Motorcycle Club. Agents used heavy equipment to breakdown the building's door.


The warrant was served by the ATF's Special Response Team, which is often deployed for search warrants or high-risk situations, said an agency spokeswoman at the scene.

Related | Feds Raid Grim Reapers Motorcycle Club


An alphabet soup of agencies assisted the ATF in the raid, which took place around 6 a.m. at the club at 1104 E. Diamond Ave., including the FBI and DEA.

Investigators say two grams of meth were also found during the search in Forston’s vehicle.

That trial is set for today at 9:00 am.

Friday, December 20, 2019

Hells Angels members involved in gambling ring

Barrie, Ontario, Canada (December 20, 2019) BTN — Police call it the biggest investigation of organized crime in more than a decade.

The Ontario Provincial Police's takedown of an alleged organized crime family and motorcycle club members, dubbed Project Hobart, was a nearly two-year operation resulting in 28 arrests and 228 charges laid by OPP and 18 other police forces across the province.


"Probably one of the biggest investigations, if not the biggest investigation, we have run through the organized crime enforcement bureau," said Sgt. Anthony Renton with the OPP Biker Enforcement Unit.

The OPP led the bust of the alleged operation involving illegal gambling and gaming, including five online websites.

Police said the gambling network collected revenues totalling more than $131 million over five years.


Investigators teamed up with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to follow the trail of money, resulting in several charges including money laundering, fraud and tax evasion.

"All income is taxable, including income or revenue generated from illegal activities such as illicit gaming, gambling or loansharking," said CRA's Stephane Bonin. "Our searches included personal residences, business premises, including accountants and business associates."


Police from Southwestern Ontario to York Region and the GTA conducted the operations across the province, with help from police in Quebec to lay charges against alleged known members of organized crime networks from London, Ont., to north of Toronto.

"It's more than just a bunch of people betting on the Packers-Seahawks game," explained Det. Insp. Gerry Scherer.

London Police Detective Supt. Chris Newton said the organized crime network has been responsible for violence and threats of violence pertaining to the collection of money and gambling debts. "There have been shootings, robberies, extortion, with the threat of physical harm. So it's not just the betting itself."

"The CRA's willingness to participate in such cases as this one shows we are not afraid to go after members of known organized crime groups."

Police also alleged the ring, with ties to at least one organized crime family, was linked to a homicide west of Toronto earlier this year.

Michael Deabaitua-Schulde was gunned down in the parking lot of a Mississauga gym in March.

Local police had previously said Deabaitua-Schulde was a member of the Niagara chapter of the Hells Angels, and the provincial force said Thursday he was directly tied to the alleged gambling ring. Four people have been charged with first-degree murder in his death.

Police vow to continue their crackdown on illegal gambling across the province.

SOURCE: The Star

Friday, November 22, 2019

13 charged in Hells Angels clubhouse raid

Denver, Colorado, USA (November 22, 2019) BTN — Thirteen people are accused of running an organized crime ring in Denver. District Attorney Beth McCann charged them following raids on the Denver Charter Hells Angels Club House, two tattoo shops and a business that advertises as specializing in customizing trucks, among others.


The suspects are aged 27 to 81 years old.

Federal agents raided multiple locations around the Denver area earlier this month. Agents say they seized dozens of firearms in addition to methamphetamine, cocaine, cash and passports.

Video captured by neighbor shows about 10 agents and several uniformed officers outside a building in the 3200 Block of Navajo Street, and patrol cars blocking a nearby intersection.
“The Hells Angels just got raided next to us,” a man can be heard saying in one of the video clips. “I haven’t seen a person come out.”

The district attorney’s office say the people accused face charges of assault, kidnapping, robbery, motor vehicle theft and chop shop activity.


Neighbors told CBS4 they heard flash bangs as the agents went into the home but things quieted down fairly quickly after that.

ATF Special Agent David Booth had confirmed that some of the individuals “have ties to motorcycle gangs.” He said at least two motorcycle clubs were involved.

Top row, from left: Jason P. Sellers, Michael J. Dire, Jared B. Orland, Clinton Williams. Middle row, from left: William “Kelly” Henderson, William “Curly” E. Whitney, Justin A. Wright, Peter M. Baron. Bottom row, from left: Dominic P. Robichaud, Adam Mulcahy, Jimmy Salazar, Derek A. Beste

The names of the accused are:

Jason P. Sellers, 44
Michael J. Dire, 74
Jared B. Orland, 47
Clinton Williams, 45
William “Kelly” Henderson, 42
William “Curly” E. Whitney, 81
Justin A. Wright, 35
Peter M. Baron, 30
Dominic Robichaud, 47
Dustin Ullerich, 47
Adam Mulcahy, 27
Jimmy D. Salazar, 44
Derek A. Beste, 30
Jerome J. Guardiola, 35, remains at large

Investigators said raids took place in Denver, the metro area, Colorado Springs, and Weld County. They said the raids were successful but there are still individual agents are working to locate.

Booth said the ATF was involved to coordinate the effort between state and local agencies but would say the specific nature of the crimes being investigated.

SOURCE: CBS4 Denver

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Feds Raid Grim Reapers Motorcycle Club

Evansville, Indiana, USA (November 19, 2019) BTN - Federal and local law enforcement agents served a search warrant at the Grim Reapers Motorcycle Club this morning. Agents used heavy equipment to breakdown the building's door.

The warrant was served by the ATF's Special Response Team, which is often deployed for search warrants or high-risk situations, said an agency spokeswoman at the scene. An alphabet soup of agencies assisted the ATF in the raid, which took place around 6 a.m. at the club at 1104 E. Diamond Ave., including the FBI and DEA.


Other law enforcement assisting at the scene included Indiana State Police, Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office and Evansville Police Department. Suzanne Dabkowski, an ATF public information officer at the scene, would not say whether there were any arrests or if the building was occupied when officers arrived. Two motorcycles were taken from the scene.


She did say that the investigation that led to the search warrant had been going on for "quite awhile." The Grim Reapers Motorcycle Club was founded in Louisville in 1965 and a local chapter was organized in Warrick County in the mid-1970s.

In June 1983, the local chapter moved its club to a house on Indiana Street near First Avenue, where it stayed until September 2017. The motorcycle club's current hangout on Diamond Avenue is the former location of the Exotic She Lounge strip club.


This is not the first time the motorcycle club has been targeted by federal investigators.

The Evansville club was raided several times in the late 1990s, culminating in the 1999 indictment of three members on federal criminal charges. The Evansville members were indicted on charges of racketeering, conspiracy and transporting stolen vehicles. Those indictments came just days after agents raided Grim Reapers clubhouses in five states, including the Evansville club.

The three-year undercover operation resulted in a total of 59 indictments and the seizure of guns, drugs, stolen vehicles and other contraband, according to an Evansville Courier report.

SOURCE:

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

MC and Cops share different views over raid

Fresno, California, USA (September 10, 2019) BTN — A group of local motorcyclists say Fresno anti-gang officers overreacted in a raid on their clubhouse Saturday, but a sheriff’s spokesman said the officers had no choice after an armed Hells Angel ran and hid inside the building.

“It was crazy, bro,” said Jay Upton, vice president of the Savage Assassins. “We were racially profiled.” Upton said he is heavily tattooed, and “my appearance sometimes doesn’t accommodate people.”


The sheriff’s spokesman, Tony Botti, said there were two armed Hells Angels at the event and dismissed the idea that members of the MAGEC gang unit should have let club members eject the fleeing suspect, identified as Rey Rodriguez, 32, of Fresno, instead of serving a warrant and searching the property.

“That’s not the way it works,” said Botti. His advice: Don’t hang out with the wrong people.

Rodriguez was arrested on charges of being an armed gang member. The other man identified as an Angel, Stephen Meza, 58, of Tulare, was arrested on the same charge as well as carrying a stolen gun. Rodriguez and four others at the party were cited for obstructing an investigation and one person was held on an outstanding DUI warrant.

Related | Hours long standoff at clubhouse ends with arrests


Upton said the Savage Assassins staged an end of summer event that began Saturday afternoon at their clubhouse on Belmont Avenue east of First Street. A barbecue, cold drinks and a wet T-shirt contest were on the schedule. Upton said he noted a heavy law enforcement presence in the area early in the day, but said he talked the event over with at least one sheriff’s sergeant and it appeared there was a mutual understanding: No alcohol was being sold, only a plate of food.

Flyer for the Savage Assassins MC party

Upton said Christian biker groups were also at the event. “I’m not here to make a nuisance in my city,” he said. Things went south when a MAGEC detective reported seeing that Rodriguez was armed. Confronted, Rodriguez fled inside a steel fence and others inside locked the gate, Botti said. Upton refused permission for officers to go inside to detain Rodriguez. “Not my call,” he said. The Savage Assassins wanted to see a warrant.


That led to officers obtaining one. In the hours that followed, Upton said party goers were detained with zip ties. Some of the detainees, including Upton’s father, Mike, were in their 60s and 70s, he said. Upton added that his father, who suffers from a heart ailment and COPD, is still in the hospital as a result of the stress.

Upton said MAGEC detectives “destroyed the clubhouse and damaged a steel door at a next-door radiator shop in a search for weapons. Botti said a total of three were recovered: two in possession of Rodriguez and Meza, and one on a motorcycle.

Upton said the incident was “blown way out of proportion,” but members of his club were suffering consequences Monday when they went back to work: “Their jobs are in jeopardy.” Botti said the party goers have themselves to blame for obstructing the investigation: “As the night went on, a lot of them were drunk,” and uncooperative.

As for the potential of any unwarranted damages, Botti said a claim could be filed with the county’s risk management unit.

SOURCE: The Fresno Bee

Monday, September 9, 2019

Hours long standoff at clubhouse ends with arrests

Fresno, California, USA (September 9, 2019) BTN — Eight people were arrested on Saturday after an hours-long standoff at a MC's clubhouse came to an end, according to the Fresno County Sheriff's Office.

It all started at around 6 p.m. on Saturday, when anti-gang enforcement deputies were investigating weapon offenses and possible gang members at the Savage Assassins motorcycle clubhouse near Belmont and First.


Deputies say they spotted a man standing outside of the clubhouse with a gun on him.

The man ran back into the clubhouse and deputies followed him in, but left after a verbal confrontation took place inside.


Since the man had a gun, S.W.AT. was called out to the scene, leading to an hours-long standoff.

After receiving a search warrant, deputies started ordering people out of the clubhouse, one by one.

One man came out with a gun and was arrested by police without incident.


Eight people were arrested and 42 others were detained while deputies began to search the clubhouse.

One woman with a heart condition was taken from the scene to Community Regional Medical Center, police say she was not injured during the standoff.

9-08 SWAT Standoff at Motorcycle Club
Fresno County's Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium says one of its deputies was after ONE guy, who ran into the Savage Assassins Motorcycle Club. Him fleeing led to 42 people being detained and 8 arrested Saturday.
Posted by Marie Edinger KMPH on Sunday, September 8, 2019

The man who was seen outside of the clubhouse with a gun was arrested for being a felon with a firearm.


Once everyone was out, officers began to search the clubhouse.

The search continued until around 3 a.m. on Sunday.

SOURCE: Fox26 News