27 Hell’s Angels members plead guilty to murder conspiracy in Canada

GlobalPost

Twenty-seven members of the Hell's Angels in Canada pleaded guilty on Friday to reduced charges of conspiracy to commit murder.

More than 150 members of the notorious biker gang were arrested in April 2009 after a major sweep of five branches in Quebec led to charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder and drug trafficking.

More from GlobalPost: Hell's Angels members held over Massachusetts murders (VIDEO)

While dozens have since been released, two others also pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of conspiracy to commit murder on Wednesday. They each face 15 years in jail.

The 27 who pleaded guilty on Friday did so in exchange for sentences of up to 25 years in prison. Nine had been set to begin trial on Tuesday.

Jean-Pascal Boucher, a spokesman for the director of criminal and penal prosecutions, said all other charges against the Hell's Angels members — including murder — have been dropped.

Will you support The World with a monthly donation?

Every day, reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you. We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.

Make a gift today, and you’ll help us unlock a matching gift of $67,000!