The Federal Office of Police (Fedpol) has internally assessed that members of the Hells Angels motorcycle club could represent a potential threat to the internal and external security of Switzerland. Following this internal assessment, the club’s legal representative attempted to gain access to the underlying evidence, including official situation reports, analyses, and correspondence. Fedpol denied the request in its entirety, a stance supported by the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (Edöb), which ruled that even acknowledging the existence of specific documents could compromise national security.
Basis for the Fedpol Security Classification
Fedpol’s refusal to disclose information stems from a concern that revealing the scope of their internal monitoring could expose the current intelligence capabilities of Swiss authorities. During a subsequent conciliation process, the agency provided the Edöb with internal reports and situational assessments to justify the secrecy. The commissioner concluded that the risk to internal security outweighed the club’s right to transparency regarding the government’s files.
The agency maintains that the Hells Angels are part of a highly networked international structure of “Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs.” According to Fedpol, while there is no current conviction against the club for operating as a criminal organization in Switzerland, individual members have been convicted of crimes involving violence, property, weapons, and narcotics. These activities, coupled with the group’s international ties to organized crime, serve as the foundation for the current internal security assessment.
Did You Know?
Although the Hells Angels are now subject to an internal security classification, they are not explicitly listed as a security-critical group in the most recent official annual reports published by Fedpol or the Swiss Federal Intelligence Service.
Club Response and Legal History
Patrick Hermetschweiler, president of the Hells Angels in Zurich, stated that the club is both surprised and irritated by the classification. He noted that multiple Swiss chapters are affected by this administrative stance. In challenging the designation, the club pointed to a significant, large-scale criminal investigation into the organization that was officially closed in 2010 without a conviction for criminal association.
Possible Future Developments
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Fedpol deny the Hells Angels access to their files?
Fedpol, with the support of the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner, argued that disclosing the existence or content of these documents would reveal the authorities’ current intelligence, which could endanger national security.
Are the Hells Angels considered a criminal organization in Switzerland?
No. While individual members have been convicted of various crimes including drug, weapon, and violent offenses, there has been no conviction in Switzerland for participation in a criminal organization.
How did the club react to the classification?
The president of the Hells Angels in Zurich, Patrick Hermetschweiler, stated the group is “surprised” and “irritated” by the classification, noting that a major investigation into the club was previously closed in 2010.
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