Above The Law: How Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs Established The World's Biggest Criminal Empire - Ross Coulthart & Duncan McNab

This book provides an in-depth exploration of how outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCGs) evolved from small, rebellious groups of bikers to some of the world’s most powerful and organized criminal enterprises. Ross Coulthart and Duncan McNab detail the expansion of notorious gangs like the Hells Angels, Bandidos, and the Mongols, showing how they leveraged their global networks to engage in illicit activities ranging from drug trafficking and arms dealing to extortion and money laundering.

Coulthart and McNab meticulously trace the gangs' early roots in the post-World War II era, starting as loosely organized brotherhoods of veterans and rebels with a passion for motorcycles. Over time, these groups morphed into highly structured criminal syndicates with hierarchies, secret codes, and ruthless enforcers. The book also uncovers the gangs' use of violence, both against rivals and within their own ranks, to maintain power and dominance. 

By examining police records, court cases, and firsthand accounts, the authors reveal how OMCGs operate across international borders, infiltrating legitimate businesses and engaging in sophisticated criminal schemes while avoiding law enforcement. They discuss the cultural impact of these gangs, who often glamorize their outlaw status and cultivate a menacing image that draws new recruits, further fueling their criminal empires. 

The book also highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in dismantling these gangs, as they are often deeply entrenched in communities and connected to broader organized crime networks. Coulthart and McNab provide a sobering look at the scope of OMCGs' influence and their ability to operate "above the law," establishing criminal empires that span continents and impact societies across the globe.