Latest news with #HellsAngelsMotorcycleClub
Scoop
15-07-2025
- Scoop
Operation Round Up A Significant Blow To Hells Angels
Press Release – New Zealand Police Operation Round Up has seen nearly $2.5 million worth of assets seized as Police executed around 30 search warrants on properties and vehicles this morning. Police have arrested and charged 19 members and associates of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club Whanganui chapter today, in a huge blow to their stranglehold in the area. Operation Round Up has seen nearly $2.5 million worth of assets seized as Police executed around 30 search warrants on properties and vehicles this morning. The search warrants were executed in Whanganui, Auckland, Palmerston North, and Hastings, assisted by the Armed Offenders Squad and Special Tactics Group. During the warrants across the North Island, items seized included five firearms, a brick of cocaine, $7,000 cash, and around 10 ounces of meth. Seventeen men and 2 women have been charged, including the president, vice-president, and sergeant at arms. Detective Inspector Craig Sheridan says this is a significant blow to the gang, which has had an entrenched presence in the Whanganui community for decades. As part of enforcement activity, Police's Central Asset Recovery Unit has restrained five motorcycles, seven vehicles, three properties, two jet skis, and around $108,000 cash. Detective Inspector Sheridan says the operation has been spearheaded by Central District Organised Crime Unit, in an all-of-Police approach to tackling gang harm. Staff from several workgroups and locations have worked as one to obtain these results, he says. 'The assets restrained are believed to be the proceeds of crime, and anyone profiting from the sale of illicit drugs can expect to see their assets restrained or forfeited. 'We will continue to use all available tools to disrupt criminal organisations who profit from this offending, and from the harm caused by illicit drugs in our community,' Detective Inspector Sheridan says. The operation began in March 2024 and has involved hours of planning, resources, and work by a number of Police staff. Police cannot rule out further arrests and charges. Whanganui Area Commander Inspector Neil Forlong says the arrest of so many leaders of the Hells Angels will have a huge impact on the community. 'This gang has been a part of the fabric of Whanganui for years, and the generational harm they have caused is significant.' However, it is important to remember what comes next, once gang leaders have been arrested. 'The very fact this gang has been part of so many lives means we need also to take care of those who have relied on the gang's activities for so long – partners, children, now all need support.' Local agencies will help assist whanau and loved ones impacted by these arrests, to ensure they have support moving forward. Inspector Forlong says local iwi leadership has spoken to him about introducing a meth harm reduction programme in Whanganui, which Police would be supportive of. All those arrested have appeared today or are appearing in court in coming days, in Whanganui, Palmerston North, Hastings, and courts in Tamaki Makaurau. SIGNIFICANT ARRESTS A 35 year old Whanganui man, and a 35 year old Whanganui woman are each charged with: 3x Importing cocaine 4x Importing methamphetamine 3x Possession of meth for supply Possession of cocaine for supply Conspiracy to supply methamphetamine Participating in an organised criminal group. A 30 year old Whanganui man is charged with: 3x Importing cocaine Importing methamphetamine Conspiracy to supply methamphetamine 2x Possession of meth for supply 2x Possession of cocaine for supply Supplying cocaine Participation in an organised criminal group.
Scoop
15-07-2025
- Scoop
Operation Round Up A Significant Blow To Hells Angels
Police have arrested and charged 19 members and associates of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club Whanganui chapter today, in a huge blow to their stranglehold in the area. Operation Round Up has seen nearly $2.5 million worth of assets seized as Police executed around 30 search warrants on properties and vehicles this morning. The search warrants were executed in Whanganui, Auckland, Palmerston North, and Hastings, assisted by the Armed Offenders Squad and Special Tactics Group. During the warrants across the North Island, items seized included five firearms, a brick of cocaine, $7,000 cash, and around 10 ounces of meth. Seventeen men and 2 women have been charged, including the president, vice-president, and sergeant at arms. Detective Inspector Craig Sheridan says this is a significant blow to the gang, which has had an entrenched presence in the Whanganui community for decades. As part of enforcement activity, Police's Central Asset Recovery Unit has restrained five motorcycles, seven vehicles, three properties, two jet skis, and around $108,000 cash. Detective Inspector Sheridan says the operation has been spearheaded by Central District Organised Crime Unit, in an all-of-Police approach to tackling gang harm. Staff from several workgroups and locations have worked as one to obtain these results, he says. 'The assets restrained are believed to be the proceeds of crime, and anyone profiting from the sale of illicit drugs can expect to see their assets restrained or forfeited. 'We will continue to use all available tools to disrupt criminal organisations who profit from this offending, and from the harm caused by illicit drugs in our community,' Detective Inspector Sheridan says. The operation began in March 2024 and has involved hours of planning, resources, and work by a number of Police staff. Police cannot rule out further arrests and charges. Whanganui Area Commander Inspector Neil Forlong says the arrest of so many leaders of the Hells Angels will have a huge impact on the community. 'This gang has been a part of the fabric of Whanganui for years, and the generational harm they have caused is significant.' However, it is important to remember what comes next, once gang leaders have been arrested. 'The very fact this gang has been part of so many lives means we need also to take care of those who have relied on the gang's activities for so long – partners, children, now all need support.' Local agencies will help assist whanau and loved ones impacted by these arrests, to ensure they have support moving forward. Inspector Forlong says local iwi leadership has spoken to him about introducing a meth harm reduction programme in Whanganui, which Police would be supportive of. All those arrested have appeared today or are appearing in court in coming days, in Whanganui, Palmerston North, Hastings, and courts in Tamaki Makaurau. SIGNIFICANT ARRESTS A 35 year old Whanganui man, and a 35 year old Whanganui woman are each charged with: 3x Importing cocaine 4x Importing methamphetamine 3x Possession of meth for supply Possession of cocaine for supply Conspiracy to supply methamphetamine Participating in an organised criminal group. A 30 year old Whanganui man is charged with: 3x Importing cocaine Importing methamphetamine Conspiracy to supply methamphetamine 2x Possession of meth for supply 2x Possession of cocaine for supply Supplying cocaine Participation in an organised criminal group.
Hamilton Spectator
07-05-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Hells Angel shot dead outside Mandarin receives online tributes from abroad
There is online love from outlaw bikers from Switzerland, Denmark and the Caribbean — but not from Canada — on the memorial site to Oakville Hells Angel Craig (Truck) McIlquham. McIlquham, 55, also known as Craig Brown, was ambushed and shot to death around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 29 as he left the Mandarin family-style buffet restaurant at 1881 Fairview Street in Burlington, about a five minute-drive from the Queen Elizabeth Way. Police described the murder as targeted. Investigators are probing how McIlquham's killer knew he would be dining that evening at the restaurant. There are also security cameras outside the front entrance. McIlquham was president of the Niagara chapter of the Hells Angels, but spent much of his time recently in the Caribbean . Hells Angel, shot dead outside Mandarin restaurant, had ties to Caribbean, GTA and Quebec 'Brother you are going to be a great loss in this world,' a biker identified as 'John HAMC Caribbean' posted on McIlquham's memorial page. 'We had a lot of laughter and fun,' John wrote. 'Going to miss you terribly. Strength to family and friends.' 'HAMC' stand for 'Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.' Another tribute is posted by someone who identified himself as 'Buller81,' from Randers, Denmark. 'Truck was an amazing brother and friend, he will be truly missed,' Buller81 wrote. 'I send my love and condolences to his family. Big love and respect.' The number '81' is used by bikers to stand for 'HA,' the club's initials, as 'H' is the eighth letter of the alphabet and 'A' is the first. Most of the tributes posted online were personal, like one by a woman who described him as 'like a second dad.' 'He was always so kind and gentle towards me and took us tubing, surfing, water-skiing, whatever the day called for he provided us with that,' she wrote. 'I will never forget him taking us on all of those adventures, they were a huge part of my life. He always told me that if I ever had a problem to give him a call. He will be missed so much by all. Truly a pure soul.' 'He left behind three beautiful kids that are amazing human beings that are loved very much,' another woman wrote. 'He has taught me a lot and I will cherish every single memory I have with him and everyone I've met through him, will love you always Truck!!' 'Craig was Bestman at our wedding,' another poster wrote. 'He graciously let us use his home for the event. My aunt was adamant that she went for a ride on his bike and made him promise not to go fast, all you could hear above the bike was my aunt screaming as he took her down the country road at top speed. When they got back he was in hysterics laughing at her. He was such an amazing man, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending lots of love to you and your family.' Police appealed to the public for anyone with dashcam footage of Fairview Street and Brant Street between the hours of 4 and 10 p.m. on the night of the fatal shooting. They are particularly interested in a late model, dark Honda Civic with tinted windows and black alloy rims. McIlquham got his nickname, 'Truck,' because of his powerful build. A long-time Hells Angel, he once served as a bodyguard for former Hells Angels boss Walter (Nurget) Stadnick of Hamilton, when Stadnick was widely considered the most influential outlaw biker in Canada. Longtime Hells Angel gunned down outside Burlington Mandarin Stadnick was sentenced to 20 years in prison after he was convicted in Montreal in September 2004 of a variety of conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to traffic drugs and involvement in gang activities. His sentence was reduced to 14 years and seven months for pre-trial time served, and was released from prison in 2019. McIlquham was charged in 2019 by Canadian authorities during a multi-jurisdictional, wide-reaching probe into international gambling and loan sharking called Project Hobart. He was then described by police as one of the leaders of an international gambling ring, with at least 14 sports-betting websites, including five illegal offshore sites based in the Caribbean. The ring also operated an illegal gambling house in Mississauga, police said. Police said at the time the Hells Angels were working in the gambling ring with an established Mafia group from York Region. The Project Hobart charges were ultimately dropped because of court delays, blamed in part on the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, Canada Revenue charged him with failing to report revenues totalling over $2,000,000 from 2014 to 2018.
Toronto Star
06-05-2025
- Toronto Star
Hells Angel shot dead outside Mandarin receives online tributes from abroad
There is online love from outlaw bikers from Switzerland, Denmark and the Caribbean — but not from Canada — on the memorial site to Oakville Hells Angel Craig (Truck) McIlquham. McIlquham, 55, also known as Craig Brown, was ambushed and shot to death around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 29 as he left the Mandarin family-style buffet restaurant at 1881 Fairview Street in Burlington, about a five minute-drive from the Queen Elizabeth Way. Police described the murder as targeted. Investigators are probing how McIlquham's killer knew he would be dining that evening at the restaurant. There are also security cameras outside the front entrance. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW McIlquham was president of the Niagara chapter of the Hells Angels, but spent much of his time recently in the Caribbean. Gta Hells Angel, shot dead outside Mandarin restaurant, had ties to Caribbean, GTA and Quebec Investigators will have to look across the GTA, into Quebec and down to the Caribbean to 'Brother you are going to be a great loss in this world,' a biker identified as 'John HAMC Caribbean' posted on McIlquham's memorial page. 'We had a lot of laughter and fun,' John wrote. 'Going to miss you terribly. Strength to family and friends.' 'HAMC' stand for 'Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.' Another tribute is posted by someone who identified himself as 'Buller81,' from Randers, Denmark. 'Truck was an amazing brother and friend, he will be truly missed,' Buller81 wrote. 'I send my love and condolences to his family. Big love and respect.' The number '81' is used by bikers to stand for 'HA,' the club's initials, as 'H' is the eighth letter of the alphabet and 'A' is the first. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Most of the tributes posted online were personal, like one by a woman who described him as 'like a second dad.' 'He was always so kind and gentle towards me and took us tubing, surfing, water-skiing, whatever the day called for he provided us with that,' she wrote. 'I will never forget him taking us on all of those adventures, they were a huge part of my life. He always told me that if I ever had a problem to give him a call. He will be missed so much by all. Truly a pure soul.' 'He left behind three beautiful kids that are amazing human beings that are loved very much,' another woman wrote. 'He has taught me a lot and I will cherish every single memory I have with him and everyone I've met through him, will love you always Truck!!' 'Craig was Bestman at our wedding,' another poster wrote. 'He graciously let us use his home for the event. My aunt was adamant that she went for a ride on his bike and made him promise not to go fast, all you could hear above the bike was my aunt screaming as he took her down the country road at top speed. When they got back he was in hysterics laughing at her. He was such an amazing man, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending lots of love to you and your family.' Police appealed to the public for anyone with dashcam footage of Fairview Street and Brant Street between the hours of 4 and 10 p.m. on the night of the fatal shooting. They are particularly interested in a late model, dark Honda Civic with tinted windows and black alloy rims. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW McIlquham got his nickname, 'Truck,' because of his powerful build. A long-time Hells Angel, he once served as a bodyguard for former Hells Angels boss Walter (Nurget) Stadnick of Hamilton, when Stadnick was widely considered the most influential outlaw biker in Canada. Gta Longtime Hells Angel gunned down outside Burlington Mandarin Halton police responded to reports a man was shot outside at an address on Fairview Stadnick was sentenced to 20 years in prison after he was convicted in Montreal in September 2004 of a variety of conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to traffic drugs and involvement in gang activities. His sentence was reduced to 14 years and seven months for pre-trial time served, and was released from prison in 2019. McIlquham was charged in 2019 by Canadian authorities during a multi-jurisdictional, wide-reaching probe into international gambling and loan sharking called Project Hobart. He was then described by police as one of the leaders of an international gambling ring, with at least 14 sports-betting websites, including five illegal offshore sites based in the Caribbean. The ring also operated an illegal gambling house in Mississauga, police said. Police said at the time the Hells Angels were working in the gambling ring with an established Mafia group from York Region. The Project Hobart charges were ultimately dropped because of court delays, blamed in part on the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, Canada Revenue charged him with failing to report revenues totalling over $2,000,000 from 2014 to 2018.
