Germany targets money laundering network, Hells Angels in raids including Netherlands

Germany is currently undergoing a large operation against a money laundering network and members of the motorbike gang Hells Angels. Part of the investigation takes place in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Bulgaria.

German police said they are searching around 100 locations, mainly in North Rhine-Westphalia, the state bordering the Netherlands, with more than 1,000 officers involved in the operation. Authorities also reported raids at seven properties in the Netherlands, Belgium and Bulgaria.

A total of 14 suspects wanted under arrest warrants have been detained. Police also said they seized assets worth approximately 48.6 million euros.

Police have shared that the investigation is focusing on 71 suspects, among them those responsible for a money laundering network that operates in Germany and other areas of Europe and high-ranking members of a motorbike gang.

The police did not name the gang, although German press agency dpa and other German media outlets reported that it concerns the Hells Angels.

The suspects are accused of founding a criminal organization, armed and commercial extortion, organized fraud, and money laundering. In addition, investigations are ongoing into weapons offenses, assault, and violations of tax laws, including tax evasion.

Investigators state that this case does a good job of showing how “criminal groups in organized crime and international economic crime are closely connected.” The suspects reportedly used certain corporate structures for fraud and money laundering. Money obtained through criminal activities was concealed and subsequently invested in businesses and real estate.

Herbert Reul, the Minister of Interior Affairs in North Rhine-Westphalia, said that it is important to go after the money. “Anyone wanting to hit organized crime needs to hit the money,” he said. “Money is their driving factor and their achilles heel. If the state takes back the money, that would hurt more than any house search.”

German newspaper Bild reported that the investigation has been ongoing for over four years and named a shooting in Duisburg in 2022 as the trigger. Four people were injured in the shooting. The Hells Angels and members of a Turkish-Lebanese group were reportedly involved in the violence.