April 28, 2026 — Police in the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia launched a large-scale operation on Tuesday against the Hells Angels motorcycle gang after authorities banned a local chapter. Some 1,200 officers, including special police units, were deployed across 28 cities — including Leverkusen, Cologne, Dortmund, Duisburg and Hilden — in what state officials called one of the biggest actions against biker criminality in recent history.
More than 50 properties were searched from early morning, covering homes and business premises of members and associates. The ban targeted the Leverkusen chapter and follows earlier bans on parts of the group in the state. Investigators allege the chapter operated as a criminal organization and pointed to “profit-oriented cultivation of narcotics” as an initial finding.
North Rhine-Westphalia Interior Minister Herbert Reul said investigators seized as much as €2.5 million ($2.9 million) in assets during the raids. Authorities arrested the president of the Leverkusen chapter. Numerous Harley-Davidson motorcycles were found in the president’s workshop, and weapons were also confiscated, Reul said. Media reports and police figures cited by authorities indicate the Hells Angels maintain 29 chapters in the state with roughly 469 members, making them the largest biker group in North Rhine-Westphalia.
The raids are part of a sustained effort by state authorities to dismantle organized criminal activity within biker gangs. Officials warned members and associates that anyone involved in such groups can expect law enforcement action, saying biker groups are tied to organized crime rather than any “motorcycle romanticism.”
Related Germany headlines (April 28, 2026)
– German domestic intelligence (BfV) warned a little-known pro-Iranian group, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (HAYI), has carried out arson attacks on Israeli and US institutions in Europe since March and may escalate to more violent means, potentially using explosives or firearms. Experts suspect links to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.
– The environment ministry in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern approved a millionaire-backed operation to transport a stranded humpback whale, nicknamed “Timmy,” through a dredged channel to a barge despite concerns from wildlife experts.
– A new plant opened in Pforzheim to recycle and produce rare-earth magnets, aiming for 750 metric tons annually by 2028 as Europe seeks to reduce reliance on China.
– A survey by Bitkom found one-third of people in Germany use AI at least once a week; ChatGPT was the most-used platform.
– A far-right AfD event in Düsseldorf drew vehement counterprotests, forcing route changes and heavy police presence.
– A Civey poll for the SPD’s Economic Forum reported 78% of business decision-makers doubt the government’s reform program will significantly boost growth.
– Germany’s military said it will not enter contracts with US data firm Palantir for now, citing concerns about granting industry access to national databases.
– Authorities repatriated 25 Afghans with criminal records in a flight coordinated with Taliban officials, a move that remains controversial.
– A man clung to the side of an ICE train after stepping out for a cigarette; he was found shaken but unharmed and faces investigation for endangering rail traffic.
– Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul traveled to New York to seek support for Germany’s bid for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat for 2027–2028; the vote is scheduled for June 3.
This roundup was compiled from reporting on developments across Germany on April 28, 2026.