“Mocro-Mafia” now also active in Germany

The rise in violent crime in North Rhine-Westphalia has raised alarm bells among investigators, leading to fears about the expansion of criminal gangs, particularly the notorious “Mocro-Mafia” from the Netherlands. These gangs are known for their ruthless and brutal approach and have recently made their presence felt in Germany, mainly through a series of violent crimes that point to the escalation of gang rivalries.

Recent increase in crime linked to gang violence

The area around Cologne has seen a disturbing number of violent incidents, including arson, shootings and explosive detonations. The series of events includes:

• An explosive device detonated in front of a family’s home.
• A jewelry store was targeted with more than 20 shots.
• Since the end of June, six bomb attacks have been reported in Cologne.

Due to the extreme nature of these events, the police undoubtedly link them to an ongoing power struggle between rival gangs. This underlines the worrying transfer of gang activity from the Netherlands to German territory.

The “Mocro-mafia”: brutality and expansion

The term “Mocro Mafia” refers to a loosely organized collection of criminal gangs made up primarily of Moroccan nationals. The group began with hashish smuggling, but has since expanded into cocaine trafficking and has become notorious for its violent methods, which have resulted in numerous murders.

According to experts such as Michael Mertens, leader of the police union in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), the Dutch drug mafia has long regarded Germany as a strategic transport hub for its illegal products. Researchers note that these gangs operate with extreme violence to intimidate rivals and maintain control over their operations.

Method: torture and terror

The “Mocro Mafia” has become notorious for using horrific methods to establish dominance. One shocking example involved armed members kidnapping a couple from a Lebanese clan after a drug heist and torturing them for information. These tactics put victims under great duress and serve as warnings to others about the consequences of standing up to these gangs.

Case Study: The Torture Chamber

In 2020, Dutch law enforcement discovered a torture chamber in a shipping container used by these gangs. This facility included:

• A soundproof room with a modified dental chair to secure victims.
• Tools such as pliers, hedge trimmers and drills that are designed to torture.
• Gruesome videos circulating among gang members exposed the atrocities.

Such practices illustrate the lengths these criminals will go to maintain their power and silence dissenters.

Murderous Intent: High Profile Victims

Murders of public figures have raised concerns about the “Mocro Mafia.” A notable case is the 2021 murder of investigative journalist Peter R. de Vries, who was gunned down in the street as he left a TV appearance. De Vries was closely connected to key witnesses against powerful drug lord Ridouan Taghi, who retained influence even from prison and was sentenced to life imprisonment after a lengthy trial.

The most famous victim was investigative journalist Peter R. de Vries, who was murdered on the street with five shots in 2021.

Summary of recent incidents involving the “Mocro-mafia”

Understanding the Root Causes: Why is the “Mocro-Mafia” Expanding?

The expansion of violent gangs such as the “Mocro Mafia” into Germany can be attributed to several factors:

• Geographical advantage: Germany’s location provides a strategic transit route for drugs heading to other European markets.
• Rivalry with other gangs: The internal power struggle between these groups leads to extreme violence as they attempt to gain control of lucrative markets.
• Weak law enforcement: Perceived shortcomings in the effectiveness of law enforcement can encourage criminal activity.

As these gangs change their ways, the impact on communities and law enforcement is becoming greater. It is therefore essential that authorities respond with innovative strategies to combat the spread of these gangs.