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(U) Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs
(U) Definition: OMGs are ongoing organizations, associations or groups of three or
more persons with a common interest or activity characterized by the commission of, or
involvement in, a pattern of criminal conduct. Members must possess and be able to operate
a motorcycle to achieve and maintain membership within the group.
(U) Characteristics of Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs
(U) The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, Pagans, Vagos, Sons of Silence, Outlaws,
Bandidos, and Mongols are the largest OMGs. All are classified as “one percent” (1%)
clubs. The term 1% originated when the American Motorcycle Association released
a statement in response to a riot that occurred on 4 July 1947 at the Dirt Hill Climb
motorcycle races in Hollister, California. The American Motorcycle Association
spokesperson stated that 99 percent of the motorcycling public was comprised of
honest, law-abiding citizens, and that only one percent constituted troublemakers.
OMGs took pride in the reference and adopted 1% as its symbol. Not all OMG members
boast the symbol; however, OMGs profess to be one percenters or the one percent of
bikers who have rejected societal norms and dedicated their lives to their club.
(U) Motorcycle gangs have evolved over the past 67 years from bar room brawlers to
sophisticated criminals. OMGs, which were formed in the United States, over the last 50
years have spread internationally and today they are a global phenomenon. The Hells
Angels in particular stands out for its international connectivity. Survey respondents
identify Hells Angels members, more than any other OMG, as having the most
international travel within the last two years.
(U) Ownership of motorcycles has created a growth industry that accommodates
thousands of legitimate recreational riders throughout North America. Increasing
societal acceptance of motorcycle riders has provided OMGs a way to camouflage their
gangs’ nefarious criminal activities. The larger, more sophisticated OMGs, such as the
Hells Angels, Iron Horsemen, Outlaws, Bandidos, Mongols, Pagans, Sons of Silence, and
the Vagos have adopted the public posture of claiming they are just motorcycle riders
who belong to a club. The other part of the subterfuge lies with their claim that the
criminal activities of individual members are not directed by the gang. Other gangs
claim their violent reputation is due to criminal activities in their past.
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National Gang Intelligence Center
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