SAN ANTONIO – Three high-ranking members of the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Organization were arrested last Wednesday after federal prosecutors accused them of leading a criminal gang that engaged in racketeering and waging a deadly "war" on a rival gang, according to an indictment announced by the U.S. Attorney's Office in San Antonio.
They were national president Jeffrey Pike, national vice president John Portillo and national sergeant at arms Justin Forster.
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The indictment reveals intimate details about the Bandidos organization, a notoriously tight-lipped society where allegiance to the organization and fellow members is valued above all else.
Here are more key details from the federal indictment.
- Approximately 175 chapters exist over 15 countries
- 107 chapters are located in the U.S. and 42 in Texas
- Membership dues are paid on a monthly basis
- Members must own Harley Davidson or similar bike
- Fines up to $1,000 for missing mandatory rides
The organization has a meticulous structure starting with the national president. Second in command is the national vice president followed by the national sergeant of arms, according to the indictment.
Following the national officers, who are the most powerful and influential members, are the local chapters.
Chapters are divided according to geographical location and each chapter must have a minimum of five members to exist.
The Bandidos also have a nomad chapter that gathers intel for the organization and meets with national officers to provide information.
Chain-of-command for local chapters starts with the chapter president; followed by the sergeant of Arms and secretary/treasurer, the indictment stated.
Full patch members must endure a lengthy process, designed to weed out infiltration of law enforcement officers.
The interactive graphic below shows the Bandidos hierarchy. Click here for a direct link.
Each full patch member starts by associating with club members. After an undefined amount of time these associates are referred to as a “hangaround,” who performs minor tasks for full patch members.
The next level is known as a prospect, which requires being sponsored by a full patch member. After gaining sponsorship, club members vote to determine whether or not the prospect can become a full patch member, according to the indictment.
The Bandidos further the enterprise at all costs and make money through extortion, the indictment stated.
Fear, threats, drug trafficking, illegal gambling, physical violence, murder, assault and general intimidation are all tactics used by the club.
The club has a brotherhood mentality. Dues collected help fund funeral expenses for members and subsidize a defense fund for covering legal fees, the indictment stated.
Read the full indictment below or click on this link: