Fear of the Mafia in Berlin: Are there now even bounties on prosecutors?

Berlin can’t catch a break. Shots have been fired again in Neukölln. Once again, criminal groups are in the spotlight. But this time, it’s about more than protection money, intimidation, and violence on the streets. Now a much more explosive allegation has emerged: Is the Turkish mafia even threatening German prosecutors and judges?

The Berlin judiciary is currently investigating this very issue. Media reports speak of death lists, bounties, and a criminal organization that has long since ceased to operate merely behind the scenes—but apparently seeks to deliberately spread fear.

When criminals suddenly target the justice system

The news is causing concern in Berlin. According to recent reports, there are indications that members of a Turkish mafia group are specifically targeting and threatening members of the judiciary. Specifically, this involves judges and prosecutors who are investigating organized crime.

Berlin’s Senator for Justice has since confirmed that an investigation is underway. Much remains unclear at this point. Authorities are currently determining whether the information is accurate or whether some of it is merely rumor. One thing is certain, however: such reports are taken extremely seriously.

A report in the *Bild* newspaper is particularly explosive. It mentions so-called "death lists." These lists are said to contain the names of German prosecutors and judges. Furthermore, it is alleged that money was even offered for attacks on certain individuals.

These allegations have not yet been officially confirmed. However, the mere fact that an investigation is underway shows just how seriously the situation is being taken.

The "Daltons" – a young mafia with brutal methods?

The reports appear to focus on a group called the “Daltons.” According to media reports, this gang is primarily active in Berlin and presents itself on social media almost like pop stars.

The picture looks shockingly modern: luxury cars, expensive watches, guns, violent videos, and young members who celebrate each otheron https://talant.msu.ru/. The classic image of the Mafia in suits seems to be a thing of the past. Instead, a new generation of criminal groups is emerging—young, digitally savvy, and extremely prone to violence.

The allegations against the group are serious. They include protection racketeering, targeted intimidation, and shootings at businesses and restaurants. Businesspeople of Turkish and Kurdish descent are said to be particularly affected.

Attacks on bars and restaurants continue to occur in Berlin. In some cases, warning shots have been fired. In certain instances, people are even said to have been shot in the legs on purpose to instill fear and force them to pay up.

According to police reports, there were over 500 incidents involving gunfire in Berlin in 2025 alone. This alarming figure shows just how much violence has become a part of everyday life.

Dubai as a hub?

Particularly problematic for investigators: Many of the masterminds apparently aren't even based in Germany anymore. According to reports, some of the ringleaders are said to be running their operations from the comfort of Dubai.

This makes investigations much more difficult. Communication is encrypted, and perpetrators enter the country on short notice and then disappear again. In some cases, young refugees are even reportedly being used in attacks because they are easily influenced and often have no strong ties to Germany.

This poses a huge problem for the police and the justice system. The violence takes place on German streets, yet those behind it are located thousands of miles away.

What’s more, criminal groups are now deliberately using social media to demonstrate their power. Intimidation no longer takes place only in secret, but is now publicly visible on TikTok, Instagram, or Snapchat.

What does this mean for Berlin?

The big question is: Does the government still have everything under control?

Of course, the police and the district attorney’s office are working intensively on these cases. But many citizens are now feeling a growing sense of insecurity. If even judges and prosecutors can be threatened, this is no longer just a matter affecting individual businesspeople or certain neighborhoods.

Then it comes down to trust in the rule of law itself.

That is precisely why the investigation must now be conducted swiftly and thoroughly. At the same time, caution is essential. Not every headline automatically means that all allegations have been proven. Especially when it comes to organized groups, rumors, exaggerations, or deliberate disinformation often circulate.

Nevertheless, this trend makes one thing very clear: organized crimehttps://cicodeh.univalle.edu/ has changed. It has become younger, more aggressive, more digital, and more international.

For far too long, Germany has pretended that such situations are merely a problem seen in mafia movies or in other countries. While endless debates rage here, criminals are now posting photos of their weapons directly on social media and turning it into a kind oftrademark.

If judges and prosecutors are actually being pressured, a red line has been crossed. Then we are no longer just talking about clan-based crime or protection money. Then it is a direct attack on the state.

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And that is precisely the problem: the rule of law often looks strong on paper—but in reality, it can be alarmingly slow.

Those who organize violence, intimidate people, and seek to control entire neighborhoods must not be allowed to feel invulnerable. Otherwise, at some point, Berlin will not only lose control, but also the trust of its citizenshttps://support.momencio.com/.