The motorcycle club Hells Angels is classified as a criminal organization by Europol.
AFP
Three individuals were arrested during a large-scale police operation in Auðbrekka, Kópavogur, last night.
According to Vísir, the police were monitoring an announced party in Hamraborg organized by the motorcycle club Hells Angels, which Europol classifies as an organized crime group.
One arrested by mistake
Several marked police cars were present, along with officers on motorcycles and members of the Special Forces Unit. Police also used a drone to monitor the area from above.
Vísir reports that at least one person was arrested by mistake because he could not recall his full national ID number. He had simply been passing by and was not involved with the event.
Auðbrekka Street was closed off, and those wishing to enter the party area had to undergo weapons checks at police checkpoints. A senior police officer stated that the purpose of the operation was not to block escape routes but to ensure safety.
All released from custody
Everyone arrested during the operation has now been released. The police have not disclosed the reason for the arrests at this stage.
The police and the Special Forces maintained a strong presence outside the Hells Angels clubhouse last night. The club had advertised an open house event, which began at 9 p.m. and was scheduled to continue late into the night.
All attendees were searched before entering the venue, and it was initially reported that three people had been arrested. Sigurbjartsdóttir, assistant chief of police in the capital area, confirmed today that they have all been released.
Man found carrying a knife
Sigurbjartsdóttir could not provide details about the arrests but confirmed that officers encountered at least one individual carrying a bladed weapon. He was questioned and later released.
When asked about the police presence, Sigurbjartsdóttir explained that authorities were aware of the planned event and decided to monitor it due to Hells Angels’ classification by Europol as a criminal organization.
“There was no specific incident prompting our presence,” Sigurbjartsdóttir said. “Our task is simply to maintain surveillance and ensure public safety — this was just part of that work.”