The Secret Code Of The Notorious Mongols Motorcycle Club

The Mongol Motorcycle Club is one of the most notorious organized biker gangs in the United States. Also known as the Mongol Nation, this is far from just a ragtag bunch of rowdy bike enthusiasts, though. With a fascinating history, secret codes and fretful relationship with other well-known biker gangs, here’s everything you need to know about the fearsome Mongols.

40. A Latino challenger to the Hells Angels

The Mongol’s origins lie in the Hispanic community, from which its original members were drawn. The gang’s beginnings can be traced back to a pair of Hispanic bikers who’d been turned away from the infamous Hells Angels Motorcycle Club on account of their race. Those same men then decided to create their own club. The Mongols were born.

39. They were once banned from wearing their patches

Patches feature prominently on Mongol attire, just as they do with all biker gangs. But for a brief period in the club’s history, members were barred from wearing their beloved emblems. A legal ruling decreed that clothing emblazoned with Mongol patches could be confiscated. Thankfully for the Mongols, this move was eventually reversed.

38. An undercover cop once became a chapter vice president

It’s not just in movies that notorious organizations are infiltrated by undercover cops. In the late 1990s an intrepid officer from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives penetrated deep into the heart of the gang. He proved so believable, in fact, that he was soon made deputy leader of a Mongols chapter. Eventually more than 50 gang members were sentenced thanks to that agent’s testimony.

37. Total gang membership stands at around 2,000

It’s hard to put an exact handle on how many members of the Mongols Motorcycle Club there actually are, but estimates place the number at around 2,000. That’s 2,000 card-carrying members of the gang, not hangers on. It may not be a huge number, but as the Mongols website itself states, “quality not quantity” is what matters.