Europol and regional police agencies in action: Members of the 'Balkan Cartel' arrested in Germany

(Patria) - Europol has provided support to police agencies from Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Germany, and Serbia in carrying out a large-scale operation targeting a prominent cell they call the Balkan Cartel.

During the operation conducted on December 10, 2025, in Germany, three suspects were arrested and assets worth over 5 million euros acquired through criminal activities were seized.

The Europol operation targeted several high-value targets (HVTs) residing in Germany, believed to be key figures within the Balkan Cartel.

The investigation revealed that this criminal group was responsible for multi-ton shipments of cocaine arriving from Colombia, using various methods to smuggle drugs into Europe.

The network was also involved in money laundering through companies and real estate in multiple European Union countries and beyond.

Today's operation, involving 500 police officers and 45 locations searched, represents the culmination of a complex investigation into large-scale international drug trafficking, money laundering, and arms trafficking.

During the searches, approximately 50,000 euros in cash, two gold coins, numerous luxury items such as jewelry, watches, bags, three high-value vehicles, as well as real estate in Germany and abroad were seized.

Documents and electronic devices were also found and confiscated, along with a loaded pistol and ammunition. The collected evidence is currently undergoing detailed analysis.

The three suspects arrested on the day of the operation had various roles in the criminal network, including financing, coordination, and logistics.

The main suspect, originally from the Western Balkans and residing in Germany, is known for using a distinctive logo to mark cocaine as a kind of trademark. In previous operations, Europol and partner countries have already dealt significant blows to the Balkan Cartel.

This includes numerous previous operations and arrests, such as 13 arrests in May 2023 and 21 arrests in October 2023 during coordinated police actions. Europol played a key role in continuous coordination, information exchange, and providing analytical support to the investigation.

Intelligence gathered during the operation indicated a sophisticated and well-organized network operating across multiple continents and countries.

Participating countries and agencies in the operation

– Austria: Criminal Intelligence Service (Bundeskriminalamt – Task Force ACHILLES)
– Bosnia and Herzegovina: State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA)
– Croatia: Office for the Suppression of Corruption and Organized Crime (USKOK)
– Germany: Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt); Hessen State Police (Hessische Polizei)
– Serbia: Service for Combating Organized Crime (SBPOK)