The mentioned action included:
• Arrested leaders of the Balkan Cartel
• Action implemented in five countries
• About 500 police officers were hired
• Confiscated property worth five million
• Drug and money laundering network discovered
During the action, 500 police officers were engaged and property worth five million euros was confiscated.
As stated in the announcement, Europol provided support to the police authorities of Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Germany and Serbia in conducting a major operation aimed at a prominent cell of the so-called “Balkan Cartel”. During the operation, on December 10, 2025, three suspects who are believed to be at the head of the Balkan Cartel were arrested in Germany.
“The coordinated operation was aimed at several “High Value Targets” (HVTs) living in Germany, who are believed to be key figures of the Balkan Cartel. The investigation showed that this criminal cell was responsible for multi-ton shipments of cocaine originating in Colombia and used various methods to smuggle the drug into Europe. The network also engaged in money laundering through companies and real estate in several EU countries and outside it,” Europol said in a statement.
Today’s action, in which 500 police officers participated during the arrests and searches of 45 facilities, is the culmination of a complex investigation into large-scale drug trafficking, money laundering and arms trafficking. During the search, around 50,000 euros in cash, several gold coins, numerous luxury items such as jewelry, watches, bags, three expensive vehicles, as well as real estate in Germany and abroad were seized. In addition, various confiscated documents and electronic devices, as well as firearms with ammunition, were found. The evidence is currently being analyzed.
The statement further states that the three arrested had various roles in the criminal network, including financiers, coordinators and logistics experts. The main suspect, originally from the Western Balkans and living in Germany, is known for using a recognizable cocaine logo as a trademark.
Europol reminds that in previous operations, together with partner countries, they dealt significant blows to the Balkan Cartel. This includes numerous earlier actions and arrests (eg 13 arrests in May 2023 and 21 arrests in October 2023 during a one-day operation). Europol played a key role in leading the ongoing coordination, exchange of information and providing continuous analytical support to the investigation. Intelligence gathered during the operation revealed a sophisticated and well-organized network operating across continents and countries.
(Vijesti.ba)
