Source: Eurojust
Eurojust has supported the German and Dutch authorities in stopping a series of severe retaliatory attacks between criminals using explosives and firearms to settle scores. A total of 23 suspects have been arrested, including three during an action day this week. Eurojust assisted with the execution of European Arrest Warrants (EAWs) and European Investigation Orders (EIOs) and coordinated the judicial cooperation between the authorities.
The criminals were entangled in a conflict over illicit drug trafficking, resulting in approximately ten attacks involving the use of firearms and heavy explosives. Following this spate of serious incidents, two kidnappings happened with multiple people taken hostage. The criminals showed little or no compassion for victims or potential collateral damage, such as injuries. Presumably, minors were also exploited as perpetrators, some of whom were prepared to commit criminal acts as a so-called crime-as-a-service.
Most of the violent incidents took place in 2024 in and around the city of Cologne in Germany. Eurojust has been involved since last year, at the request of the German authorities, to support judicial cooperation and assist in the execution of EAWs and EIOs. These requests were sent mainly to the authorities in Amsterdam. Europol provided data analysis and coordinated the exchange of information between authorities.
During the action day this week, not only were three suspects arrested, but eight house were searched to secure evidence for the ongoing investigation.
The operations on the ground in both countries were carried out at the request of and by the following authorities:
- Germany: Public Prosecutor’s Office (PPO) (Staatsanwaltschaft) Cologne; Police Department (Polizeipräsidium) Cologne
- The Netherlands: PPO (Arondissementsparket) Amsterdam; National Police (Nationale Politie)