The European headquarters of Hells Angels.

last updated 8 January 2015

Netherlands

Editorial

Dutch police have finally stood up to the Hells Angels, said Amsterdam’s De Telegraaf in an editorial. The international motorcycle gang has used Amsterdam as the base for its European crime operations for years. This week, in a huge sweep, police arrested 45 members of the group on suspicion of drug dealing, assault, extortion, and arms trafficking. In the illegal arsenal the cops found bazookas, flame-throwers, machine guns, and hand grenades. Hardly the appropriate props for what is supposed to be a “motorcycle enthusiasts’ club.” Of course, everyone knew that the Angels in Europe were involved in crime, just as their founding fathers in America are. But there was always a “widespread popular impression that the Angels could do whatever they wanted.” They seemed untouchable. “Thank heavens, that impression has now been erased.” The next step might very well be “to ban the organization outright.”