2023: Hells Angels Organized Crime Trial Begins In Spain

MADRID, Spain — Prosecutors sought a 13-year prison sentence on Monday for a former Hells Angels leader in Europe accused of running a chapter of the motorcycle club linked to organized crime on the Spanish island of Mallorca.

Frank Hanebuth, a German national, appeared in court alongside 49 alleged collaborators from various countries, at least 34 of whom agreed to a plea deal that allowed them to pay fines rather than serve time. Hanebuth did not look for a deal.

Some of the defendants were of German, Greek, or British origin and required the services of an interpreter to follow the proceedings, which were held in Spanish. Three of the defendants participated via video call from Germany.

Prosecutors in Spain have charged Hanebuth with criminal organization membership, money laundering, and illegal possession of firearms. They also request that the trial judge fine him $4.5 million (€4.2 million) for the money laundering charge.

Drug Trafficking Charges For Former Hells Angles

Other defendants have been charged with running a prostitution ring and drug trafficking, in addition to belonging to a criminal organization; hells angels could face up to 38 years in prison.

According to the criminal indictment, the Hells Angels engaged in illegal activities in Mallorca from 2009 to 2013. According to prosecutors, Hanebuth appointed members who then committed crimes such as extortion, pimping, acquiring illegal firearms, and robbery in popular tourist areas.

Prosecutors said they also bought property on Mallorca and the neighboring island of Ibiza. The accused were not limited to riding Harley-Davidsons: one of Hanebuth’s co-defendants was cited for driving a Bentley at 125 mph (200 kph) in a 75-mph (120 kph) zone.

A Highly International Gang

According to the indictment, the Hells Angels in Europe are believed to have chosen Mallorca for their illegal activities due to the presence of foreign residents and other money laundering and drug trafficking schemes on the island.

According to the indictment, the Mallorca chapter of the hells angels was highly international, with recruits from as far away as the Dominican Republic and Morocco.

Prosecutors said Hanebuth also maintained contact with his German base in Hannover.

The trial will likely last several weeks.

SOURCE – (AP)