Motorcycle club Bandidos forbidden

The motorcycle club Bandidos is banned as an association. The court in Utrecht has determined this today. According to the court, it is a criminal organization, whose activities lead to disruption of society.

The ban applies to both the Dutch and the worldwide organization. The Public Prosecution Service had therefore asked to prevent foreign Bandidos from becoming active in our country.

It is the first time that a motorcycle gang in the Netherlands is banned and it is a great success for the Public Prosecution Service. Attempts to ban the Hells Angels came to a standstill in 2009.

A culture of lawlessness
The Public Prosecution had asked for a ban on the Bandidos because the motorcycle club is engaged in drug trafficking, prostitution and arms trade according to international investigations.

The judge said today that the Bandidos present themselves with a culture of lawlessness. According to the judge, the organization is focused on committing, supporting and stimulating violence.

This is apparent, among other things, from the promotion of people and the issuing of patches for violence. The judge also heavily reckoned that violence by Bandidos members endangers the safety of other citizens.