If convicted for running a motorcycle club that is linked to organised crime in the Spanish island, Mallorca, a former leader of Hells Angels Europe could be sentenced to 13 years imprisonment.

Frank Hanebuth, a German national, appeared in court with 49 alleged accomplices from many countries. At least 34 of them agreed to a plea agreement allowing them to pay fines rather than serving time.

Hanebuth did not seek a deal.

Some defendants were British, Greek, or German origin and required an interpreter to understand the Spanish-language developments.

Advertisement

Three of the three accused participated via video link from Germany.

Spanish prosecutors charged Hanebuth for membership in a criminal organization, money laundering, and illegal firearms possession.

They also asked the judge to fine them EUR4.2m (PS3.7m), for money laundering.

Other than being part of a criminal organization, the other defendants were also charged with running a drug trafficking ring and prostitution ring. They could spend up to 38 years behind bars.

According to the criminal indictment, the Hells Angels engaged in illegal activities on Mallorca between 2009 and 2013. Hanebuth was their leader.

Prosecutors said that Hanebuth had appointed several members to commit crimes such as extortion and prostitution, illegal firearm acquisition, and robbery at popular tourist destinations.

Prosecutors also said that they moved to Ibiza and Mallorca, where they bought real estate.

Because of the large number of foreigners living in Mallorca, and other money laundering or drug trafficking schemes, it is believed that Hells Angels Europe chose Mallorca to be their base.

Continue reading:

Hells Angels founder member Sonny Barger, 83, dies after a brief battle with cancer

The UK biker feud between Outlaws and Hells Angels is reflected in the Outlaws and Hells Angels.

According to the indictment, the Mallorca chapter of the gang had strong international connections, with recruits coming from all over the world, including Morocco and the Dominican Republic.

Paul Witworth was one of the defendants who accepted a plea bargain. He was a British associate to Hanebuth’s and prosecutors claim he maintained links with The Clerkenwell Crime Syndicate, a notorious UK gang.

Prosecutors said that Hanebuth maintained contact with his German base at Hanover.

It is expected that the trial will last for several weeks.