Police and provincial justice officials swooped in on a Manitoba Hells Angels club house in Winnipeg Thursday morning – seizing the entire property and everything in it.
The province said it got a court order Thursday morning allowing it to take over the property at 2679 Scotia Street under the Criminal Property Forfeiture Act.
“The claim alleges the property was used as a place to plan and carry out criminal activity,” the province said in a news release. “Along with real estate, items such as cash and valuables can be forfeited.”
Officials could be seen removing computers and other items from the property, which is protected by an iron gate sporting the iconic Hells Angels logo. Crews removed the gates, putting a symbolic end to the reign of the alleged organized crime group in the north Winnipeg neighbourhood.
Gord Schumacher, with the Criminal Property Forfeiture Unit told Global News, “We’re alleging that this clubhouse was used in certain aspects in criminal activity and as such, should be forfeited.”
“Money laundering, breaches of the liquor act, proceeds of crime, among others. And it’s based on those charges, that we are here today, “ explained Schumacher.
It’s the latest blow to the biker gang in Manitoba, which has seen several high ranking members jailed after police stings relying on informants who provided video and audio recordings of drug deals.
The province says claims on properties under the Criminal Property Forfeiture Act have been made 35 times since the legislation was enacted; with property valued at more than $9 million currently being pursued.
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