I recently read “Under and Alone” by William Queen, about an ATF agent who infiltrated the Mongols motorcycle gang. It led me to think some more about two questions I’ve wondered before. Not sure if it fits best as a GQ, GD, or IMHO thread – mods, move as you see fit.
- How dangerous/violent/criminal are motorcycle gangs really?
By “motorcycle gangs”, I’m specifically referring to self-declared 1%er/”outlaw” motorcycle clubs that are considered as gangs or organised criminal organisations by law enforcement – such as the Hells Angels, Mongols, Vagos, Sons of Silence, Bandidos, Outlaws, etc. As a motorcyclist myself, I’m perfectly aware that most MCs are just social organisations, often with a positive mission behind them.
I ask because this book repeatedly claims that the Mongols are the most violent motorcycle gang in the USA, but the two-year infiltration by the ATF agent, who even became a club officer in his chapter, ultimately led only to a handful of convictions on relatively minor offenses – drug offences, possession of unregistered firearms, receiving stolen goods, etc. – and only one or two murder charges. It reminds me of Hunter S. Thompson’s portrayal of the Hells Angels as people who are certainly rowdy and even dangerous if provoked, but whose depiction as ultraviolent criminals delighting in random unprovoked violence is undeserved, almost ridiculous. (that’s just from summaries of his writing. Haven’t read the book.) The writer certainly mentions a number of violent criminals in the Mongols, but glosses over many other gang members who he describes as “laid-back” and who may not have any criminal history.
Furthermore, you’d expect the worst violence from turf wars between gangs. I’ve been in a place where the war between the Hells Angels and the Bandidos reached the level of using rocket launchers, so I’m used to the press about biker gang wars. However, at the end of the book above, there’s a confrontation between the Mongol Army and their nemesis the Hells Angels MC at a biker meet (Sturgis?) – which is just a stare-off that ends in club presidents agreeing to relax and keep the peace. Hardly terrifying stuff.
So: to what extent are motorcycle gangs actually dangerous organised criminal organisations? Is it really fair to lump them in with e.g. the Mara Salvatrucha, Mexican drug cartels, and the Mafia? Might the Hells Angels actually be telling the truth with their line that criminal activities by Angels are the members’ own responsibility, and aren’t club business or officially sanctioned?
- Are long-term undercover police investigations worth it?
The book above led to a number of convictions, but very little “serious” stuff. Some illegal guns get purchased by the ATF, taking them off the street, as well as some small quantities of drugs. Evidence is collected on motorcycle theft, but little happens regarding the thefts themselves.
On the other hand, the ATF has to pay for all the drug and weapons purchases (money which I suppose was never recovered – so spent by criminals), pay the salary, benefits, etc. of the undercover agent, and the salary, benefits etc. of his support team, which is at least one permanent full-time agent. Did they get decent return on their money, compared to normal operations?
Also, is this a high opportunity cost? That is, might these agents be able to get similar or better results from conventional investigations? There’s also the great personal cost to the undercover agent – the psychological pressure and stress from knowing that if his cover’s blown, he’s likely to wind up dead, and his inability to lead a “normal” life (indeed, he loses his girlfriend and neglects his children during the investigation) – is this really worth it?
Thanks for any and all input!