The number of outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) chapters in Europe still remains on a high and growing level. OMCGs are well organised groups that usually operate transnationally.

Given the significant expansion of OMCGs and chapters in Europe over the last few years, Europol has built and improved its monitoring and analytical skills as well as the criminal intelligence capabilities, because of the risk of clashes and the impact on the general organised crime situation. Together with partners from the Member States and third parties, Europol sees the need for an international and cross-boarder approach, and closer cooperation for tackling all the challenges concerning OMCGs.

To step up to the challenges of OMCG activities, Europol brought together 45 high-level representatives from law enforcement agencies from 20 EU Member States (MS), 5 third parties and international organisations at Europol’s headquarters in The Hague. This international and annual meeting of outlaw motorcycle gang experts took place on 9 and 10 November for the 22nd time.

The aims and the objectives of the meeting were to exchange expertise and best practices for tackling the activities of OMCGs from a transnational perspective.

Zoltán Nagy, Head of Unit of the European Serious Organised Crime Centre, said that “Europol will continue supporting the efforts of the EU MS and third countries in tackling OMCGs and street gangs, recognising their wide international dimension and the impact they have in drugs and weapons trafficking, violence applied in racketeering and extortion, money laundering, etc.”

Intensive expert information exchange

In particular, conference participants had an intensive information exchange about the current situation and trends in different countries and the international overall monitoring of major biker events. Innovative investigative approaches towards the OMCGs were also discussed as well as the growth and expansion of street gangs and box clubs. The fruitful collaboration with all involved participants played a crucial role in developing strategies for this phenomenon.

Learn more about Europol’s support

Europol plays a key role in combatting the criminal activities of outlaw motorcycle gangs. To assist its partners more effectively, and to follow a multidisciplinary and horizontal approach, the project focuses on organised crime groups rather than just on the crimes committed by outlaw motorcycle gangs. The project does this by, for example: