Finland's Court of Appeal has dismissed the Bandidos motorcycle club's request to intervene in proceedings seeking its dissolution. The ruling allows district court hearings about banning the club to continue.
The National Police Board seeks to disband Bandidos under Finland's Associations Act. Authorities claim the group operates contrary to Finnish law and maintains military-style organization.
Bandidos opposed the dissolution through its trademark-holding company. The company demanded intervention and compensation for legal costs from the Police Board.
The case now returns to Western Uusimaa District Court. Police target unregistered associations linked to Bandidos rather than the trademark itself.
If courts approve the ban, using Bandidos symbols could become punishable. Such use might be treated as continuing a prohibited organization's activities.
This legal battle reflects Finland's ongoing crackdown on organized crime groups. The outcome could set important precedents for handling similar organizations nationwide.
Police initially filed the dissolution case last year. They argue Bandidos' structure and activities violate fundamental principles of Finnish association law.