the fight against organized crime must “further be intensified”, assures Eric Dupond-Moretti in a new criminal circular

The fight against organized crime, “a constant threat”must “still be intensified” in Corsica, assures Éric Dupond-Moretti on Tuesday March 14 in a new criminal circular to which franceinfo had access. This is a circular dedicated to the fight against organized crime on the island, the latest having been written by Christiane Taubira in November 2012.

“For many years, murders linked to organized crime have permanently disturbed Corsican public order”, first recalls the Keeper of the Seals in his circular. It then sets priorities to better coordinate the fight against organized crime, the fight against arms trafficking and even money laundering. Firstly concerning the settling of scores, which are “at a particularly worrying level” in Corsica, says the minister. Thus, Éric Dupond-Moretti recommends “the use of criminal intelligence”.

Reinforce the fight against money laundering

While the homicide rate in Corsica is three times higher than in mainland France (0.34 per 10,000 inhabitants in Corsica against 0.12 per 10,000 inhabitants in mainland France), according to figures from the Ministry of l ‘Interior, the circular calls for improving the repression and prevention of arms trafficking. Thus, regarding “the proliferation of weapons of all categories in Corsica”, “a major concern”the text encourages prosecutors to request “wider” the confiscation of weapons, even legally held ones, “by persons subject to legal proceedings”. The Jirs de Marseille (specialized interregional court) “will be informed in real time of any case presenting a degree of seriousness and complexity justifying it”asks the minister in his circular.

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This circular also wishes “step up the fight against drug trafficking and use”, “a high priority of the government”while drug trafficking has increased “considerably increased and generalized at a rate again very worrying in Corsica”. The circular also calls for “strengthen the fight against money laundering” and more broadly “against the underground or parallel economy”. The minister thus asks the prosecutors of Bastia and Ajaccio to “continue to transmit Tracfin reports without delay” and of “lead a proactive policy in terms of seizures and confiscations”.

A “soothing” presentation for an anti-mafia collective

The circular also recognizes: “Historically crossed by the confrontation of rival groups, Corsican banditry presents specificities characterized by a systemic use of threat and violence coupled with an injunction to silence”. In a publication on its website titled “the interview with the Keeper of the Seals: an arm of honor for Corsica?”the anti-mafia collective “A Maffia No A Vita ié” qualifies as “soothing” the presentation of the Minister and denounces a “long litany of hackneyed cliches”.