Hells Angels organized crime trial begins in Spain

By JENNIFER O’MAHONY
Associated Press

MADRID (AP) — The trial of a former leader of the Hells Angels in Europe began Monday in Madrid. German national Frank Hanebuth is being tried alongside 49 alleged collaborators for running a chapter of the motorcycle club on the Spanish holiday island of Mallorca that was allegedly involved in organized crime. Prosecutors are seeking a 13-year prison sentence for him on charges of membership in a criminal organization, money laundering and illegal possession of firearms. They are also demanding a $4.5 million (4.2-million euro) fine for money laundering. Other members are also charged with leading a prostitution ring and drug trafficking and face up to 38 years in prison. The beginning of the session was delayed 4 hours as some lawyers tried to arrange plea deals for their defendants.