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The fifth estate: The Road to Hell
Bikers in Your Backyard> Printer Version

Broadcast October 24th, 2001


The Criminal Intelligence Service considers the Hells Angels to be the foremost organized crime group in Canada topping the traditional Mafia and other gangs.

The Hells Angels began in California in 1948. The group took it's name from a 1930's movie directed by Howard Hughes and starring Jean Harlow. It followed the exploits of a group of WWI fliers but had nothing to do with motorcycles.

Worldwide the Hells have over 3000 members. There are 228 chapters in 25 countries. The highest numbers of Hells Angels can be found in the U.S., Canada and Germany. They also have chapters in the Scandinavian countries, Italy, Brazil, Argentina and South Africa. Anywhere there is capitalism and opportunity for profit, the Hells are there.

Their reach is said to stretch into drugs, the sex trade and associations with the Mafia but they also allegedly have associates who work in the stock market and technology industry.

There are 34 chapters of Hells Angels in Canada.

 

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the fifth estate: The Road to Hell
Originally Broadcast on October 24, 2001
Updated in February, 2004

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Bikers in Your Backyard

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