HELLS ANGELS DENY LINK TO MILITARY

Investigators Fear Bikers Using Soldiers' Expertise For Crime

TORONTO - The Hells Angels motorcycle gang says any links between its
members and the Canadian Forces shows its members' patriotism rather
than a move to recruit soldiers for a drug war.

Revelations that military officials launched at least 29
investigations last year into soldiers suspected of being involved
with criminal motorcycle gangs sparked a quick response from the Hells
Angels.

"The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club is a patriotic organization born out
of defending freedom and democracy and we will continue to do so,"
says an official statement from the Downtown Toronto Chapter of the
Hells Angels.

"We support our armed forces vigorously, and their efforts to defend
freedom and equal justice for all Canadians," the statement says.

David Burgess, who is described as the world president of HAMC, Inc.,
the corporate entity of the Hells Angels clubs, called the military
probes "disinformation" and said the controversy comes after the
Toronto chapter's website posted a photograph of what appears to be a
U.S. military vehicle stationed in Baghdad painted to read: "Support
Your Local Hells Angel."

A visit to the website yesterday found it has linked itself to the
Department of National Defence's website in a bid to support Canadian
troops. The chapter's Internet presence encourages visitors to write
to members of the Canadian Forces who are stationed abroad.

"After 9/11 Canadians left for Afghanistan to hunt for Osama Bin Laden
and defend freedom," the site reads. "They are still there and we
support them."

Clicking on a number of links takes visitors to the DND's "Morale
Message Board," where notes can be sent to the troops.

The show of support from the bikers comes as military officials say
they are trying to investigate and root out connections between its
soldiers and members of unsavoury organizations.

The 29 case files uncovered pose significant concern for organized
crime investigators who say motorcycle gangs are looking to
incorporate people with skills that could be useful in a street war
over the lucrative drug trade, particularly those experienced with
guns and explosives.

Officials also worry that bikers could use soldiers to gain access to
high-powered weapons or engage in drug smuggling with military
transportation.

The cases involve soldiers based in British Columbia, Alberta,
Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec and deployed in Germany, Belgium and Bosnia.

Some of the incidents involved allegations of stolen military
equipment, soldiers who were suspected of being members, former
members or associates of various gangs, including the Hells Angels,
Bandidos and Outlaws -- three of the world's largest motorcycle gangs
- -- as well as the Zig Zag Crew, a violent street gang in Winnipeg, the
documents show.

The Defence Department has been working on a policy for several years
to restrict contact between soldiers and outlaw bikers.