Outlaw motorcycle groups in the Netherlands: To what extent do they resemble mafia organizations?

There have been ongoing debates about whether outlaw motorcycle groups (OMCGs) are similar to mafia organizations. The current study examines to what extent and how Dutch OMCGs, specifically the Hells Angels, Satudarah, and No Surrender, resemble mafias. The study is based upon a review of the relevant academic and gray literature, criminal investigations against members of the above-mentioned OMCGs ( N = 52), and court judgments in criminal ( N = 52) and civil law cases ( N = 9). Against the backdrop of Paoli’s mafia framework, the analysis shows that, despite similarities in structure and culture, Dutch OMCGs radically differ from mafia organizations in the aims they pursue and the range of activities they engage in, and particularly in their claim and ability to exercise a political dominion, enter in power-sharing agreements with state representatives and achieve popular legitimacy. Based on these findings, the article emphasizes the importance of comparative analyses of so-called organized crime actors for theory-building as well as their policy relevance to prevent misconceptions in society and among policymakers and to enable the adoption of appropriate policy measures.