Twenty-three individuals, including five minors, were arrested in connection with organized crime linked to the DZ Mafia in Toulon, France. The arrests follow a series of criminal acts, including armed home invasions and an attempted takeover of a narcotics selling point. Alleged orders for these crimes reportedly came from an inmate believed to be part of the gang. Several suspects have acknowledged their involvement, while others remain evasive about their connections to the DZ Mafia.
This past Friday, public prosecutor Samuel Finielz from Toulon revealed that 23 individuals, including five minors, have been apprehended on suspicion of involvement in organized crime-related activities. These incidents reportedly occurred between January 28 and February 28, 2024, in the areas of Hyères and La Seyne-sur-Mer.
Out of the 23 individuals arrested, 19 are currently in custody, while an additional suspect is being presented to the examining magistrate.
Criminal Activity Linked to an Inmate
The situation escalated on January 28, 2024, when four armed assailants invaded a couple’s home in La Seyne-sur-Mer, targeting safes believed to contain cash. The couple managed to call the police while barricaded in a room. Authorities apprehended one suspect at the scene, who has since been charged. The remaining suspects evaded capture until their arrests on April 2 and October 8, 2024.
Investigations indicate that these events were allegedly orchestrated by an inmate currently facing other criminal charges, who is believed to have ties to organized crime. This inmate reportedly hired four accomplices with payments ranging from a few hundred to 4,000 euros to execute plans for taking over a drug trafficking operation in La Seyne-Sur-Mer and recovering debts.
Thus far, eight individuals have been charged, including three minors, with several acknowledging their alleged crimes. While some claimed they acted on behalf of a criminal organization, others either denied the accusations or provided vague responses.
Attempted Drug Trafficking Operation
In another incident, authorities are investigating an attempted drug trafficking takeover in the Val des Rougières district of Hyères that occurred on the night of January 20-21. Assailants purportedly acting ‘on behalf of a criminal group’ fired gunshots during the incident before making their escape. Similar to previous cases, this operation is believed to have been directed from prison by an inmate thought to be a significant player in organized crime.
On June 18, 2024, police arrested seven suspects, predominantly from the Aubagne region. Following their indictments, five individuals were detained. Most of those arrested confessed their roles in the attempted takeover, although two defendants, including a suspected leader, contested their involvement and affiliation with the criminal group.
Arson Attack Injures Residents
Lastly, on the night of February 27-28, 2024, a petrol-soaked door of an apartment in the Val des Rougières area was set ablaze, resulting in injuries to six individuals, including three residents of the unit. In connection with this retaliatory attack on local drug traffickers, eight suspects were arrested last Monday, all believed to have participated in the illegal activities leading up to the January events.
The prosecutor indicated that these individuals had been active at the Val des Rougières drug resale point in the days preceding the incident. Some were reportedly designated as drivers to transport drugs for the operation. Ultimately, six suspects, including two minors, have been charged and taken into custody for their involvement.