For more than 40 years, Ricky Ciarniello was the public face and voice of B.C. Hells Angels motorcycle gang. Known for his fervent defense of the gang and its causes, Ciarniello passed away recently following a lengthy illness. He had just turned 80 on March 11, 2025. His death marks the end of an era for the notorious motorcycle group.
Throughout his time with the Hells Angels, Ciarniello was often situated at the crossroads of media and law enforcement, regularly holding press conferences to publicly contradict police claims about the gang's criminal activities. He was also present at major biker events, such as the Hells Angels' 40th anniversary Gala held last July 2023 in Langley, where he was treated like a celebrity.
Brad Stephen, a retired Vancouver police biker specialist, emphasized Ciarniello's unique position. "The police found it odd... good old boys... wearing the '1%' patch on his vest," Stephen stated. This patch is emblematic of outlaw gangs, which might raise questions about Ciarniello's dual role. "I was thinking to myself — 'Does he really believe it?' Unfortunately, I think a lot of people drank the Kool-Aid and believed his statements defending the club."
Prior to the establishment of Hells Angels in B.C. on July 23, 1983, Ciarniello was a high-ranking member of its predecessor gang, the Satan's Angels. Ciarniello served as treasurer for the Satan's Angels and spoke candidly to the media about the gang's ethos back then. He emphasized they didn’t seek trouble but wouldn't back down when provoked. "I don’t bully anyone, but if a guy’s a jerk, he’s going to get it anyway. Even if he is the mayor’s son," he noted during an interview as a motorcycle mechanic.
His legal battles were numerous, often defending the gang against allegations of criminal activity. Notably, Ciarniello was pivotal in the long-running civil forfeiture lawsuit the Hells Angels lost in 2023, which resulted in the B.C. government seizing clubhouses located in Nanaimo, Kelowna, and East Vancouver. His testimony highlighted his unwavering loyalty to the gang, claiming the brotherhood attracted him and provided support during hard times.
"He testified... never sought repayment," stated the June 2020 court ruling, capturing the essence of the gang's brotherhood during his recovery from severe injuries sustained due to a motorcycle accident back in 1989. Ciarniello noted, during his testimony, how his chapter's members supported him financially during his recovery years, highlighting the camaraderie within the club.
Stephen reflected on Ciarniello's steadfast presence throughout the civil forfeiture trial, asserting, "It seemed like he was the only one who cared." His role extended beyond public representation; he was seen as the embodiment of the club's legacy and its history, representing Canada at various international Hells Angels meetings.
Adding to his notoriety, the Hells Angels actively challenged B.C. laws, such as the helmet law for motorcyclists, stating their activities were misrepresented. Ciarniello himself once proclaimed, "It’s like putting a Band-Aid over cancer" when discussing helmet safety. This defiance against regulations played well with certain segments of society who viewed the Hells Angels as misunderstood.
Despite Ciarniello's efforts to portray the Hells Angels as merely devoted enthusiasts of motorcycle culture, the reality of the gang's history complicates this narrative. Stephen noted, "There has always been this element of counterculture... believing the Hells Angels are misunderstood and unnecessarily targeted by the police, even with many members being convicted of serious offenses and involved in organized crime globally."
Ciarniello's legacy remains divisive; for some, he exemplified loyalty and camaraderie found within the club, whereas for others, he represented the darker side of organized crime. Anticipation surrounds his funeral, with expectations of significant attendance reflecting Ciarniello’s impact on the community and the often-misunderstood representation of the Hells Angels.
With Ricky Ciarniello's passing, B.C. has lost one of its most recognizable figures within the outlaw biker community. His life and connections to the Hells Angels continue to spark discussions about the gang's influence and reputation, ensuring his story is far from over.
