A MASS defection of Bandidos bikie members to the Hells Angels in Sydney came with a price tag of $6 million in an extraordinary peacekeeping deal struck between the two former rival gangs.
The payout to secure the defections, aimed at bolstering Hells Angels ranks in NSW, included the formal signing of a contract, The Sun-Herald can reveal.
NSW Gang Squad police have learned that the recruitment of 60 Bandidos members from three of its Sydney chapters in February, including the entire Bandidos Parramatta branch, cost the Hells Angels $6 million. That would translate to $100,000 for every Bandido adopting the flying skull logo of the Hells Angels.
It is unclear if the money went into the coffers of the remaining Bandidos branches or has been paid to each defector.
The recruitment drive is aimed at boosting the Hells Angels' ranks before the High Court decides if NSW Police moves to outlaw the club under anti-gang legislation are lawful.
Bolstering Hells Angels numbers to form new chapters in Kings Cross, Haymarket and Parramatta is also believed to counter the Comanchero and Nomad gangs, who have taken in members of the now defunct Kings Cross gang Notorious.
It is understood the recruitment deal was organised by Felix Lyle, a former Bandido who is a rising force in the Hells Angels. Offers were also made to members of other clubs.
Switching clubs is considered a serious transgression and often leads to violence hence the payout.
The Hells Angels and Comancheros have been feuding since the Comancheros firebombed a Hells Angels tattoo parlour in 2008.
The fatal airport brawl of March 2009 and subsequent revenge shooting of Hells Angels member Peter Zervas were allegedly results of the firebombing.
But with the increase in Hells Angels ranks to more than 100 members in NSW has come the retirement of at least six long-serving members last week, including Peter Zervas, whose brother Anthony was allegedly bashed to death in the airport brawl.
Another retiree was Anthony Wainohu, an original member of the Hells Angels' first Sydney chapter, formed in Guildford in 1975.
Since its inception in the United States in 1940, the Hells Angels - which now boasts 230 chapters in 27 countries - has adopted a corporate approach to its business dealings despite a ruthless reputation.
The gang carefully guards its name and skull logo, which are trademarked.
In 2006 the Californian chapter of the gang sued Walt Disney for trademark infringement, complaining its logo was used in the film Wild Hogs.
In 2009 the former owner of clothing maker Mambo was forced to apologise to the Hells Angels in Australia for two trademark breaches involving children's clothing emblazoned with "Heavens Angels" and a skull with wings.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
What was the $6 million Hells Angels recruitment deal in Sydney about?
The article says the Hells Angels paid about $6 million to secure the defection of roughly 60 Bandidos members from three Sydney chapters in February. That works out to about $100,000 for each Bandido who switched to the Hells Angels, although it’s unclear whether the cash went to individual defectors or to other Bandido branches.
Why did the Hells Angels recruit Bandidos members in NSW?
According to the report, the recruitment drive was aimed at bolstering Hells Angels numbers in NSW ahead of a High Court decision on whether NSW Police moves to outlaw the club under anti-gang legislation are lawful. The extra members are also believed to help form new chapters in Kings Cross, Haymarket and Parramatta and to counter rival gangs such as the Comancheros and Nomads.
Who organised the Hells Angels’ recruitment deal?
The article identifies Felix Lyle, a former Bandido who has become a rising figure in the Hells Angels, as the organiser of the recruitment deal. It also notes that offers were made to members of other clubs.
Is switching bikie clubs risky, and why was a payout used as a peacekeeping measure?
Yes. The article explains that switching clubs is considered a serious transgression and often leads to violence. The large payout appears to have been part of a peacekeeping deal to reduce the risk of violent reprisals when members defected.
How many Hells Angels members are now in NSW and were there any recent retirements?
The article reports the Hells Angels’ ranks in NSW rose to more than 100 members following the recruitment. It also notes that at least six long-serving members retired recently, including Peter Zervas and Anthony Wainohu.
Do the Hells Angels protect their name and logo with trademarks, and have they taken legal action?
Yes. The article says the gang carefully guards its name and skull logo and that these are trademarked. Examples in the article include a 2006 lawsuit by the Californian chapter against Walt Disney over the film Wild Hogs, and a 2009 incident in Australia where the former owner of clothing maker Mambo apologised for trademark breaches.
How big is the Hells Angels organisation globally?
The article states that since its start in the United States in 1940, the Hells Angels now claims about 230 chapters in 27 countries.
How does the NSW anti-gang legal action factor into the Hells Angels’ recruitment strategy?
The article indicates the timing of the recruitment was strategic: bolstering membership ahead of the High Court’s decision on whether NSW Police moves to outlaw the club under anti-gang legislation are lawful. Increasing numbers could be intended to support the club’s position or enable new chapters if the legal landscape changes.
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