Several alleged Bandidos motorcycle outlaw gang members have been arrested and are now facing RICO charges.
The 22-count indictment, filed in the Southern District of Texas, includes 14 members and associates of the notorious Bandidos gang. The charges include racketeering, assault, arson and even murder, with violent criminal activity happening in and around Houston for six years between them and rival gang B*EAST.
On Wednesday, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas Nicholas J. Ganjei held a press conference with other state and Houston-area leaders to announce the RICO (Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act indictment. Ganjei said the Bandidos are not the typical motorcycle gang you may see on TV.
"They are a particularly violent organization, even by outlaw motorcycle gang standards," Ganjei said.
The gang is spread throughout Houston. Ganjei said they have created chaos with assaults in bars and restaurants, gunfire exchanges and killings in The Woodlands, Pasadena and Katy.
"The indictment here not only alleges shocking crimes of violence but also alleges that these offenses were committed openly and wantonly, where any innocent member of the public could have been hurt or killed," said Ganjei. "Perhaps, the most striking aspect of the criminal conduct alleged in this case was how open and brazen it was."
Innocent civilians and motorists could've been hurt or killed in these public places and roads.
"Public safety is and will always be job one for the Southern District of Texas," Ganjei added. "We will do whatever it takes to ensure that violent criminal organizations, either here in the Houston area or in south Texas, are brought to justice."
According to Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the FBI's Houston field office Doug Williams, 10 alleged members of the Bandidos motorcycle gang were arrested Wednesday morning.
The Bandidos began in Texas but have now spread worldwide. They also have chapters in Europe, Asia and in Mexico.