BKA dismantles alleged drug network operating under corporate cover
During raids in Germany and Bulgaria, investigators arrested one man. Eleven people are suspected of importing cannabis by ship and aircraft through shell companies.
BKA dismantles alleged drug network operating under corporate cover
Investigators from the Federal Criminal Police Office took a suspect into custody on Tuesday. Eleven people aged between 26 and 63 stand accused of bringing large quantities of cannabis from Latin America and South-East Asia to Germany via a network of shell companies.
Officers raided 15 buildings in North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse and Bulgaria. During the searches, they found a functioning firearm, 20,000 euros in cash and additional drugs. The alleged perpetrators come from various countries and are suspected of having arranged the smuggling via water and air transport. In doing so, they allegedly used legitimate corporate structures to conceal their illegal activities.
The BKA furthermore assumes that the group laundered several million euros of unclear origin abroad. According to authorities, criminal organisations constantly change their routes and methods to evade prosecution.
The arrested man is to be presented to a judge in Dinslaken.
In parallel, another investigation was ongoing against a similar group focusing on Hesse. There, officers searched 27 flats and offices in Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia and the Netherlands. Three suspects were arrested. This gang is suspected of having imported cocaine in a comparable manner.
Source: DIE ZEIT
Source: Google News AT — Crime (de)