BKA Dismantles 'Balkan Cartel' in Major Drug, Arms Bust
Today, a massive operation led by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) dismantled the so-called 'Balkan Cartel', a notorious criminal network suspected of large-scale drug trafficking and illegal arms dealing. The successful raid, involving multiple German and international agencies, resulted in arrests and the seizure of illicit goods and assets.
The BKA, working closely with federal and state police forces, as well as public prosecutors, executed three arrest warrants. Three male suspects were apprehended and are now in custody. The operation involved a total of over 360 deployment forces.
The cartel, suspected of using encrypted messaging services like SkyECC and Cipher for communication, was found to have invested part of its proceeds in real estate. During the raids on 19 residential buildings, companies, and hotels, assets worth over 150,000 euros were secured. Weapons, ammunition, narcotics, crypto phones, cash, valuable items, and evidence material were also seized.
The 'Balkan Cartel' is suspected of organizing several cocaine large-scale transports from Colombia and Venezuela to Europe between November 2019 and March 2021. The operation was a result of close cooperation between German law enforcement agencies, Europol, the US DEA, Aruban authorities, and other European investigation authorities.
The dismantling of the 'Balkan Cartel' marks a significant blow to organized crime. The arrested suspects will now face justice, and the seized assets and evidence will aid ongoing investigations. The successful operation highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating transnational criminal networks.
