Gangs expanding in Denmark
Gangs are flourishing across the country, according to police
For the first time ever, police have put together a list of the country’s most criminal organisations. The report, which currently consists of 14 gangs and 141 individuals, will be updated and published annually.
Throughout 2007, there were 39 convictions for serious crimes committed by the groups, including illegally possessing weapons, narcotics infringements and violent crimes.
The groups and networks have access to weapons and explosives and, according to the report, are capable of using both in the fight for dominance on the drug scene and internal honour disputes.
The biggest of the gangs, Black Cobra, with its 50 members, had allegiances with the Bandidos gang, one of the two largest biker gangs in Denmark.
Black Cobra had members in the towns of Roskilde, Hundige, Kalundborg, Næstved and Vordingborg. The majority of their members were from ethnic minorities.
The report fond that the group’s activities were increasing and that it had plans to expand to Jutland and Sweden.
Another gang, the International Club, based in Esbjerg in western Jutland, was striving toward more co-operation with the Black Cobra group. The two groups resembled each other in structure and members of both groups wore their affiliations openly.
Police expected that there would be increased pressure on the Hell’s Angels group especially on the drug scene. The Hell's Angels have already been pushed out of three towns in Jutland, and their drug dealing activities taken over by the International Group.
One of the conclusions of the report was that the future held increased activities from these groups.
Fact file Some of the most criminal gangs in Denmark
Amagergruppen (The Amager Group)Known for drug-dealing, weapon possession offences, violent crimes in the Copenhagen area.
Black CobraBased in Roskilde and Hundige, but also has members in Kalundborg, Næstved and Vordingborg. Strong affiliations with the International Club and the Bandidos biker group. The group plans to expand in Jutland and Sweden. The group is in conflict with the Borhan Group.
Blågårds Plads Group (Blågårds Plads-gruppen)They hold a central role in the crime scene in Copenhagen - including hashish clubs. Have been involved in shooting and knife episodes. They are in contact with the Bandidos and are rivals with the Hell’s Angels.
Borhan Group (Borhangruppen)In 2007, the Borhan Group was involved in several shooting episodes and is in conflict with the Black Cobra group. They are based in Hundige. The police suspect them of money laundering through businesses on the internet.
Enghave Boys (Enghavedrengene)Based in Vesterbro and the leading members are of Pakistani origin. Supplies hashish to several hashish clubs.
The International Club (Den Internationale Klub)Moved most of its activities from Aalborg to Esbjerg and has close ties to the Bandidos group and are in conflict with the Hell’s Angels. Police predict that they will try to strengthen ties with the Black Cobra group.
Haderslev Group (Haderslevgruppen)Have gone from 15 members to two. Police are uncertain why..
Odense Group (Odensegruppen)Connected to Vollsmose Estate and is assumed to be centrally placed in the crime scene on the island of Funen.
Østerbro Group (Østerbrogruppen)Run many hashish clubs in Copenhagen and involved in organised theft.
OthersAbout ten other people who are loosely affiliated with the above groups. Some of them are connected to the hashish trade in Christiania.