Searches - Raids against Rockers in Unterfranken (Bavaria, Germany)
The Police searched seven private apartments and houses of suspected members of the motorcycle gang "Bandidos" in Unterfranken. Approximately 100 people were involved in the operation, including a Special Operations Command (SEK), according to the police. This was the second round of searches in connection with a confrontation on July 13 that resulted in several injured persons. On Tuesday, the police had already searched rooms of five suspected "Outlaws."
About 1.5 weeks ago, approximately 40 members of the two potentially dangerous groups clashed at a gas station in Marktheidenfeld. At least five injured persons were found at the scene. It is unclear if there were additional injured persons because some of the involved parties fled. The "Outlaws" have a clubhouse in the Marktheidenfeld area. It is unknown why they encountered their rivals at the gas station and the situation escalated.
The searches on Wednesday targeted objects in Lohr, Marktheidenfeld, Weilbach, Waldbüttelbrunn, Großheubach and Großrinderfeld, according to the police.
Raids with Special Units
The prosecutor's office requested searches in apartments and houses due to new findings regarding potential suspects, it was reported. On Tuesday, investigators were supported by the riot police and a support command (USK). The USK is a special unit that assists the police in operations with potential for violence.
On Tuesday, according to the police, evidence was secured. Additionally, knives, clubs, and rings were found. No inventory was available yet on Wednesday, but the police also wanted to send a signal with the raids that "this form of motorcycle gang criminality is in no way tolerated" and that intensive investigations would be conducted, a spokesperson said.
Before the confrontation at the gas station, there had been disputes between motorcyclists, according to the police. This involved two motorcycle riders who allegedly clashed in the late afternoon or early evening of the day of the incident in Urspringen (Main-Spessart district). There are also indications of further confrontations between members of both motorcycle clubs in the Marktheidenfeld area.
- In response to new evidence, the prosecutor's office requested raids on private dwellings in Lower Franconia, including locations in Lohr, Marktheidenfeld, Weilbach, Waldbuettelbrunn, Großheubach, and Großrinderfeld.
- During these raids, the police were aided by the USK, a special unit that assists in operations with the potential for violence.
- The searches resulted in the discovery of weapons such as knives, clubs, and rings, further highlighting the criminality associated with these motorcycle gangs.
- Despite these raids and findings, the police in Bayern continue to search for other outlaws connected to the "Bandidos" and "Outlaws" motorcycle gangs, who are believed to have engaged in violent activities, including the recent clash at a gas station in Marktheidenfeld.
- The police are also investigating potential disputes between rock bands or rock group members, as there have been reports of conflict between individuals affiliated with these groups in the area.
- The police in Lower Franconia are urging anyone with information about criminal activities or potential threats from these motorcycle gangs or rock groups to come forward, as efforts to combat this form of criminality will continue.
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