Police are closely monitoring the resurgence of an outlaw motorcycle gang in northern Ontario that had previously held significant influence in the region. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is keeping a watchful eye on Satan’s Choice due to renewed activity, while several other biker gangs maintain operations in the area.
Detective Inspector Scott Wade of OPP’s Biker Enforcement Unit emphasized the need to assess the potential risks associated with emerging outlaw motorcycle gangs. The unit, with a three-decade history, collaborates with law enforcement agencies nationally and internationally to combat such criminal organizations.
Satan’s Choice, originally a powerful motorcycle gang in Ontario, merged with the Hells Angels through a “patch-over” in the early 2000s. Led by former international boxer Bernie Guindon, the club has deep Canadian roots. Guindon, who served time in prison for various offenses, including drug trafficking, saw his son Harley relaunch the club last August.
Harley, a former Hells Angels member, faced legal troubles in the past, including convictions for assault and drug-related charges. The gang has a history of clashes with law enforcement, such as the 1996 bombing incident near the Sudbury police station.
Recent social media posts indicate the establishment of new Satan’s Choice chapters in cities like Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Oshawa, and Hamilton. OPP’s Detective Inspector Wade confirmed the presence of multiple outlaw motorcycle gangs in the northern region, particularly in larger urban centers like Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, and North Bay.
Law enforcement agencies nationwide are closely monitoring the activities of outlaw motorcycle gangs, also known as OMGs. Sgt. Ryan Ferry of the Edmonton Police Service highlighted the pervasive nature of these criminal organizations and the significant threat they pose to public safety.
Outlaw motorcycle gangs, distinct from recreational riding clubs, are characterized by their organized structure, criminal connections, and reliance on fear and intimidation tactics. These gangs are involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including human trafficking, drug trafficking, and firearms-related offenses.
Sgt. Ferry warned against underestimating the dangers associated with joining outlaw motorcycle clubs, emphasizing the criminality and violence prevalent within these groups. Despite the allure of camaraderie and freedom, individuals involved with these gangs often find themselves entangled in criminal networks, facing risks of extortion and violence.
Many individuals who become involved in the outlaw motorcycle lifestyle eventually regret their decision due to financial difficulties, strained relationships, legal consequences, and the challenging nature of the criminal underworld. Law enforcement agencies remain vigilant in addressing the threats posed by these gangs and their criminal activities.
