Information
In the Netherlands, a court convicted Ridouan Taghi, leader of a drug cartel suspected in the killing of Dutch journalist Peter R. de Vries. Taghi and 16 alleged gang members faced charges related to six murders and attempted murders, portraying the gang as a “well-oiled killing machine.” The trial, named “Marengo,” was deemed unprecedented, with heightened security at “The Bunker” courthouse.
A crucial turn occurred in 2017 when a gang member turned witness, revealing details about the murders. In subsequent years, three shocking murders, including that of the witness’s brother, the witness’s lawyer, and journalist Peter R. de Vries, unfolded. De Vries, an adviser to the witness, was fatally shot in 2021, but Taghi and the 16 were not charged in those three cases.
The trial, beginning in 2022, featured videos of the attack on de Vries. Taghi, arrested in Dubai, denied all charges, criticising the trial as a “sham” and suggesting funds could be better used. The case underscores the nexus of organised crime, violence, and journalism, gaining significant attention in the Netherlands.
Source: Reuters, AFP
Assessment
Organised crime is still a significant issue for the majority of nations. With international drug, arms and human trafficking still bringing in large sums of money, there is no sign of large criminal organisations slowing down. While this almost certainly poses a direct threat with issues such as corruption, murder and other associated crimes. However, there are other additional risks not usually discussed when it comes to international criminal groups. These risks include the political leaning of the groups; for example, certain groups in Europe hold far-right ideology, making them susceptible to infiltration from Russian intelligence, which could use them to collect information or unwittingly conduct grey zone operations on behalf of Russia. There are similar risks with organised groups within the US that may be sympathetic or possibly even directly controlled by Chinese intelligence.
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