The Pagans is next to the Hells Angels in its criminal sophistication and internal discipline and organization, according to the President’s Commission on Organized Crime. The gang enjoys the closest ties to traditional organized crimes, and many sheriffs say the Pagans is most used both as hit man and enforcer by mobsters to take the sting off the Mafia’s own activities.
Although smaller in size than the Hells Angels, the Pagans outfit is regarded as more trustworthy by the mob in carrying out its contracts than other “crazy bikers.” When it serves the Mafia’s purpose, members of the Pagans have handled mob purges within a crime family.
According to Stephen E. Higgins, acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, there was “certainly evidence” that the Pagans was involved in the murder of Phil Testa, who took over control of the Philadelphia crime family after the murder of Angelo Bruno.
