COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Police in Denmark on Wednesday issued a temporary ban on the Danish arm of the Bandidos motorcycle club, citing the group’s violent behavior.
The temporary ban was based on the assessment that the group’s activities and the behavior of its members “pose both a serious threat to citizens’ lives and safety, but also to public order as such,” said Lasse Boje, head of Denmark’s National Special Crime Unit that handles the most complex economic crime, organized crime and cybercrime.
The measure took effect immediately, meaning members of the group cannot use their clubhouses, hold meetings or wear their insignias.
“Their violence must stop now,” Boje said, adding said that in the past decade, the Danish branch of Bandidos has been involved in at least 10 violent conflicts with other criminal groups.
He said that while they will not cease to exist and be criminals, “this will, among other things, weaken their ability to recruit.”
Last month, Denmark’s government said it wants a court to formally dissolve Bandidos. Under the Danish Constitution, an organization that promotes or incites violence can be dissolved by court.
Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard then said that “the freedom of association was not created to protect vicious criminals,” and that the Bandidos had engaged in especially “brutal behavior.”
The Danish chapter of Bandidos MC was created in 1993. Three years later, a feud between them and rivals Hells Angels broke out in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark, ending with 11 dead and nearly 100 wounded.
In recent years, members of the Bandidos in Denmark have been jailed for murder, attempted murder, assault and drug-related crimes.