FINLAND - Bikers deny the threat of gang war

OFF THE WIRE
Members of the Bandidos and Canonball motorcycle clubs say that claims of disagreements between the two groups are "police propaganda" aimed at securing more funding for law enforcement.

According to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) there are 61 clubs in the country that wear club colours. The most recent newcomers that have come to the attention of the NBI are the motorcycle clubs Mongols MC and Outlaws MC, both of which have an international reach. Older, more established groups, says the NBI, have extended their activities into ever smaller communities.

A former high-ranking member of the Bandidos says that this is a normal trend.

"In the year 2000, there were 120,000 motorcycles, now there 250,000. Developments are keeping pace," Tapio Haapanen explained to Yle.

Janne Tranberg, a Cannonball MC member for more than a decade, also sees expanded club membership as a natural development.

"The clubs are already in the bigger cities, so they spread to the smaller ones."

According to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) there are 61 clubs in the country that wear club colours. The most recent newcomers that have come to the attention of the NBI are the motorcycle clubs Mongols MC and Outlaws MC, both of which have an international reach. Older, more established groups, says the NBI, have extended their activities into ever smaller communities.

A former high-ranking member of the Bandidos says that this is a normal trend.

"In the year 2000, there were 120,000 motorcycles, now there 250,000. Developments are keeping pace," Tapio Haapanen explained to Yle.

Janne Tranberg, a Cannonball MC member for more than a decade, also sees expanded club membership as a natural development.

"The clubs are already in the bigger cities, so they spread to the smaller ones."

http://yle.fi/uutiset/bikers_deny_the_threat_of_gang_war/6508376