Police are closely monitoring the resurgence of a notorious outlaw motorcycle gang in northern Ontario. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is on high alert due to the renewed activities of Satan’s Choice, while various other biker gangs maintain a presence in the region.
Detective-Inspector Scott Wade of the OPP’s Biker Enforcement Unit emphasized the need for vigilance whenever a new outlaw motorcycle gang emerges. The unit, which has been active for approximately three decades, collaborates with law enforcement agencies domestically and internationally to combat these criminal organizations.
Before merging with the Hells Angels in the early 2000s, Satan’s Choice was a dominant force among Ontario’s motorcycle gangs, under the leadership of former international boxer Bernie Guindon. Guindon, who later served time in prison for different charges, including drug trafficking, saw his son, Harley Guindon, announce the club’s revival last August, with plans to establish chapters nationwide, including in northern Ontario.
In response to the renewed presence of Satan’s Choice, OPP is closely monitoring the situation, particularly for potential conflicts with rival gangs. Detective-Inspector Wade stressed the importance of addressing any violence promptly to ensure public safety. Outlaw motorcycle gangs often recruit new members from the criminal underworld, targeting individuals engaged in criminal activities or those connected to existing members.
Law enforcement agencies across the country are observing similar trends, with Sgt. Ryan Ferry of the Edmonton Police Service highlighting the entrenched presence of outlaw motorcycle gangs as a significant national policing concern. These gangs, distinguished by their hierarchical structure, criminal affiliations, and use of intimidation tactics, pose a threat to public safety due to their involvement in various criminal enterprises.
The allure of the outlaw biker lifestyle, characterized by notions of freedom and camaraderie, can lead individuals into dangerous criminal networks. Despite the seemingly appealing social aspects, involvement in outlaw motorcycle gangs often results in regret, financial ruin, paranoia, loss of relationships, or encounters with law enforcement.
Ferry cautioned against underestimating the risks associated with associating with outlaw motorcycle clubs, emphasizing the potential for individuals to become entangled in criminal activities and violence. It is essential for the public to recognize the true nature of these gangs and avoid inadvertently supporting organized crime by engaging with them or their merchandise.