Province targets Hells Angels

Massive police raids over the years have crippled the Hells Angels biker gang in Manitoba, for now.

“The Hells Angels could most certain return to Manitoba,” said University of Manitoba Criminologist, Frank Cormier.

Evidence of that happening has the province making a first of its kind move asking a review board to declare the biker gang a criminal organization.

“It means the Crown Attorneys and police don’t have to keep proving that water is wet or rocks are hard,” said Justice Minister Andrew Swan.

It’s aim, to save time and money in court proceedings.

“If there are numerous court cases that come against a group it saves time to not have to prove to a court that this is a criminal organization,” said Cormier.

It may save time, but Cormier says it won’t keep the notorious gang from coming back.

“This piece of legislation that lists them as a criminal organization probably wouldn’t make much difference,” said Cormier.

The application would have to be approved by an independent review panel.

If passed, it would only pertain to provincial laws. When officials are at court trying to shut down a club house or confiscate homes and vehicles, they won’t have to prove the Hells Angels are a criminal organization.

“It’s ridiculous,” said Defence Lawyer Greg Brodsky. He says this is just a publicity stunt by a government trying to score public relations points with voters worried about crime.

“I think the governments a winner if they try and get this to go through even if they fail,” said Brodsky, “because everyone knows the Hells Angels are bad people.”

If approved, the move could take effect before the end of the year.