Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs

Are outlaw motorcycle gangs such as the Hells Angels and Satudarah merely hobby clubs – as they call themselves, or are they – as the Ministry of Security and Justice claims – criminal organisations? What part does membership of such clubs play in the perpetration of criminal offences? If nothing else, the Dutch research into outlaw motorcycle clubs shows that these clubs differ considerably. Therefore, instead of executing a general policy aimed at all outlaw motorcycle clubs, it would appear to be wiser to realise a differentiated policy aimed at those clubs whose members are clearly active in serious crime.

By Prof. Arjan Blokland | 30 March 2017 | Life-course