Frankfurt bans Hells Angels chapters

The insignia on back of the jacket of the president of the Bonn chapter of the motorcycle gang 'Hells Angels' is pictured as he waits in a courtroom in the western German city of Koblenz September 14, 2010. Defendant Karl-Heinz B. a member of the 'Hells Angels' is facing trial on Tuesday for killing a Rhineland-Palinate special police forces (SEK) officer on March 17, 2010, during a police operation. REUTERS/Mario Vedder/Pool (GERMANY - Tags: CRIME LAW)

The insignia on back of the jacket of the president of the Bonn chapter of the motorcycle gang 'Hells Angels' is pictured as he waits in a courtroom in the western German city of Koblenz September 14, 2010. Defendant Karl-Heinz B. a member of the 'Hells Angels' is facing trial on Tuesday for killing a Rhineland-Palinate special police forces (SEK) officer on March 17, 2010, during a police operation. REUTERS/Mario Vedder/Pool (GERMANY - Tags: CRIME LAW)

Published Oct 5, 2011

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The German state of Hesse has banned two Frankfurt-based Hells Angels chapters and confiscated their assets.

Interior minister Boris Rhein cited a history of weapons offences and violence, saying: "These gangs are not in any way made up only of harmless motorbike riders.

"Many members are known to the police because of violent, drug or weapon-related offences."

The interior ministry said it had the authority to ban clubs when their aims or activities broke the law.

It quoted a recent report from Germany's federal criminal investigation office which showed that one in every 10 investigations into organised crime was linked to a criminal biker gang.

Rhein said the authorities were closely monitoring the motorcycle gangs in Hesse and had others in their sights.

"We have a zero-tolerance strategy," he added.

The Hells Angels were formed in California nearly 60 years ago and have chapters around the world. There have been chapters in Germany since 1970. - Reuters

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