Turkish Gen-Z gangs bring violence to North Rhine-Westphalia

North Rhine-Westphalia is facing a new wave of organized crime, with the State Criminal Police Office (LKA) linking approximately 20 offenses since February to Turkish Gen-Z gangs and mafia groups. This emerging criminal phenomenon has manifested through shootings, arson attacks, and protection racket extortion, according to the LKA.

The gangs, reportedly including groups like the "Daltons," "Ezgins," "Casper," and "Sirinler" (Smurfs), primarily target affluent Turkish business owners. When payment demands are not met, the perpetrators resort to violence, including shooting at vehicles and buildings, and setting fires. In one instance, an attempted homicide was registered, though it was not directly linked to extortion.

Described as highly mobile and operating with flat, often shifting hierarchies, these groups are capable of carrying out crimes across different regions with speed. Law enforcement agencies note that similar patterns have appeared in Berlin and southern Germany before emerging in NRW. The LKA in Düsseldorf is closely monitoring the situation, with close information exchange occurring between state and federal security authorities.

Authorities are concerned about the gangs' high propensity for violence and their ability to evade detection by constantly changing locations. The Berliner Polizei established a special unit, 'Ferrum,' in late 2025 to combat these violent groups and gun crime. Investigations focus on gangs whose leaders operate from Turkey, extorting large sums of money from business owners of Turkish and Kurdish descent in Berlin and other cities. Many victims are reportedly too afraid to report these crimes to the police.