German and Dutch law enforcement have taken tough action against criminals from each respective country. Following a disagreement in the illegal drug trade in Cologne, Germany, the wronged party hired Dutch criminals to carry out violent retaliatory attacks in Germany. 23 persons have been arrested over the course of the cross-border operation, which was supported by Europol.

The criminal networks orchestrated a series of attacks with the use of explosives, as well as serious kidnapping cases on German soil, which immediately caught law enforcement’s attention. Law enforcement in Germany and the Netherlands monitored the situation and then carried out the most recent action day in Amsterdam on 21 January 2025.

Cross-border crime tackled via cross-border action day

The action day saw 3 persons arrested and 8 house searches. Authorities in both countries had already arrested 20 suspects and performed several house searches before the action day. Law enforcement seized various criminal assets such as a converted firearm, powerful explosive pyrotechnics, EUR 20 000 in cash, illicit substances and mobile phones.

The arrested persons were wanted for a variety of crimes such as kidnapping, causing bodily harm, and drug trafficking. Performing attacks with dangerous explosives highlights the criminals’ disregard for potential collateral damage and injury. Furthermore, the criminals might have relied on minors to perform some of the attacks, highlighting the unsettling and increasing trend of crime-as-a-service involving a younger age group. 

Europol supported this cross-border investigation by providing data analysis and fostering the exchange of information between the involved authorities. During the action day in Amsterdam, a Europol expert was deployed with a mobile office to the coordination centre to perform cross-checks.

Participating countries: Germany, Netherlands