“Frat house” atmosphere was a hub of criminal activity, interim order alleges
A Winnipeg Hells Angels clubhouse seized by the Manitoba government on Thursday revealed a rare glimpse into the heavily fortified symbol of the gang’s dominance in the criminal underworld. The 2,865-square foot home, currently assessed at $357,000 on the open market, was taken over by Manitoba Justice officials last week after they filed a claim under the Criminal Property Forfeiture Act. Police say the clubhouse had a “frat house” atmosphere to strengthen bonds between bikers, and allowed the Hells Angels to “commit unlawful activities in secrecy.” The house was registered under the name of Leonard Beauchemin, who had previous ties to the gang. Beauchemin now has a month to appeal the interim order, which alleges the clubhouse was a hub of criminal activity such as drug trafficking and money laundering.