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Trial against Hells Angels set to start in Spain
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Leader of a Hells Angels gang, German national Frank Hanebuth, left, arrives at the National Court in San Fernando de Henares, just outside Madrid, Spain, Monday, Jan. 23, 2023. A European leader of the Hells Angels goes on trial in Madrid for running a chapter of the criminal biker gang on the Spanish holiday island of Mallorca. Prosecutors are seeking a 13-year sentence for German national Frank Hanebuth on charges that include running a criminal organization, money laundering and illegal possession of firearms. He is being tried alongside 46 collaborators from Luxembourg, Turkey and the United Kingdom, the most senior of whom face up to 24 years in jail. - photo by AP Photo/Paul White

MADRID (AP) — The trial of a former leader of the Hells Angels in Europe is set to start on Monday in Madrid.

German national Frank Hanebuth is being tried alongside 46 alleged international collaborators for running a chapter of the motorcycle club on the Spanish resort island of Mallorca that was allegedly involved in organized crime.

Spanish prosecutors are seeking a 13-year prison sentence for him on charges of membership in a criminal organization, money laundering and illegal possession of firearms. They also are demanding a $4.5 million (4.2 million-euro) fine for the money laundering charge.

Other alleged leading members are also charged with running a prostitution ring and drug trafficking, and face up to 38 years in prison.

According to the prosecutor’s indictment, the Hells Angels conducted illegal activities in Mallorca from 2009 to 2013 under Hanebuth’s leadership. He allegedly appointed members who then carried out crimes including extortion, pimping, acquiring illegal firearms and robbery in popular tourist spots.

They also moved into real estate on Mallorca and nearby island Ibiza. The accused didn’t limit themselves to riding Harley-Davidsons. One of Hanebuth’s fellow defendants has been cited as driving a Bentley at 125 mph (200 kph) in a 75-mph (120-kph) speed zone before being pulled over by police.

The trial is expected to last several weeks.

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This story has been corrected to show that Hanebuth is no longer a leader of the Hells Angels.