Documented evidence in state, provincial and federal courts throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia suggests that motorcycle gangs have become organized crime entities equal to the Mafia on many fronts. Biker gangs are organized internationally, with chapters in Europe, Australia, South America and Africa. Indeed, at least six motorcycle gangs in the United States now have chapters outside the country's borders. The Hell's Angels gang alone has chapters in 20 countries and is expanding so rapidly that it's difficult to keep up with prospective new chapters. By moving outside the United States, biker gangs can enhance their international criminal connections through involvement with the Italian Mafia, Columbian cartels and other organized crime enterprises.
Most motorcycle gangs are well-organized.
They have written constitutions, bylaws, and a hierarchical leadership structure. Members pay dues and attend regular meetings to confirm loyalty to the gang leadership. If members break rules or bylaws, their misdeeds are punished with penalties ranging from fines to murder. According to some sources, the Hell's Angels gang maintains its own Church of the Angels. A Closer Look Categorizing this counterculture is complicated because of the interrelationships and networking not only with other motorcycle gangs, but also with prison gangs, street gangs, racist groups, drug groups, and traditional organized crime families.