The Spanish National Police arrested six Hells Angels on the Canary Island of Tenerife this week for allegedly trying to forcibly expel other motorcycle clubs. The six are suspected of membership of a criminal organization, vandalism, threats and, among other things, (attempted) extortion.
Protection
The six arrested are members of the Canary Islands chapter of Hells Angels Motorcycle Club (HAMC).
The police investigation began three years ago when information came in that the Hells Angels were planning to “take over” the island of Tenerife.
The investigation revealed that the Hells Angels had the plan to bring Tenerife under their “protection”. According to the police, this would mean that other (rival) motorcycle clubs could no longer enter their territory, or would have to be put under the control of the Hells Angels.
Destroyed
Several members of a non-criminal MC wanted to open a branch on the island and have faced serious threats in recent years. Motorcycles and cars near their clubhouse were also destroyed.
17 chapters
According to the Spanish police, the Hells Angels have been officially active in Spain since 1997, with a total of 17 chapters now. They are mainly present on the Costa del Sol, the coast from Valencia to Alicante, around Barcelona and on Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
In Spain there are no national or local bans against the HAMC in force, as in Germany and the Netherlands.
