Ten Turkish nationals arrested in Marseille in major crackdown on international criminal network
An operation conducted on 9 June 2026 by the gendarmerie's investigation unit in Marseille has ended the activities of a mafia group involved in illegal arms trafficking, drug dealing and human trafficking. The seizure amounts to nearly 1.5 million euros.
Ten Turkish nationals arrested in Marseille in major crackdown on international criminal network
On 9 June 2026, investigators from the Investigation Section of Marseille carried out a large-scale judicial operation in the Alpes-Maritimes. This action, conducted with the support of the GIGN and local gendarmerie units, aimed to dismantle an international criminal consortium active in the illegal trafficking of arms, narcotics and human trafficking.
In total, ten men were apprehended. All are Turkish nationals and are believed to be linked to a structure headed by a leader currently detained overseas in Turkey. The suspects were questioned in police custody before being brought before the courts. Nine were remanded in custody pending trial; the tenth was released under surveillance.
The investigation was led by the JIRS of Marseille. Officers from the Fréjus detachment uncovered a mafia-style operation with overseas connections. The network is believed to be involved in the importation and distribution of arms in France, in connection with accomplices located in Turkey, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Belgium.
French and Belgian police officers assigned to Europol were present to coordinate investigations with European partners affected by this case.
The operation led to the seizure of cash, motor vehicles, jewellery and luxury items. The total value of confiscated assets approaches 1,475,000 euros.
Source: Gendarmerie nationale
Source: Google News FR — Crime (fr)