Hells Angels run teen gangs

Senior police yesterday confirmed at least two of its three Adelaide chapters effectively run youth street gangs.

It is understood at least three full members of the existing North Crew chapter started the second northern arm in recent months.

Based in Smithfield, the new chapter is working with the North Crew in controlling, among other things, the activities of two main youth street gangs.

One youth gang, recently brought to public attention by claims in Parliament several members were involved in an alleged gang rape in the northern suburbs, now is being "controlled" by one Hells Angels crew, senior police sources say.

Details of links between the Hells Angels and a youth gang were presented in the Adelaide Magistrates Court in a bail application for two alleged gang members.

The 19-year-old men jointly were charged with blackmail.

One was granted bail, the other remanded in custody. Both are due to reappear next month.

Senior police said extortion or blackmail was a common "sideline" activity for youth gangs, who see their participation as something to boast about or a "stepping-stone" to eventual membership of outlaw motorcycle gangs.

Detective Superintendent Deane Paynter, officer in charge of Avatar, the Organised Crime Investigation Branch's anti-biker unit, said the arrests were part of an ongoing operation into one of the gangs and its association with the club.

"This operation, which commenced several weeks ago, has so far resulted in the arrest of 15 people, mainly members or associates of the gang," he said.

"Over 150 persons (have been) spoken to about their involvement or association with this gang and an established motorcycle club."