We learned from a press release from the Marseille prosecutor on Monday June 15 that trafficking in arms, narcotics and human beings was brought to light. Ten alleged members of this international criminal network have been indicted. The total amount of seizures is estimated at nearly 1.475 million euros.
As part of a judicial investigation conducted by the JIRS of Marseille, the Marseille research section, with the operational support of the GIGN and the Alpes-Maritimes departmental gendarmerie group.
The international arms trafficking network was dismantled in the Alpes-Maritimes on June 9, 2026.
Ten individuals indicted
Deployed within the jurisdiction of the Alpes-Maritimes group, the operation led to the indictment of ten individuals and the seizure of cash, vehicles, jewelry and luxury objects for an amount estimated at nearly 1,475,000 euros.
Investigators, and in particular the Fréjus detachment of the Marseille research section, discovered a structured mafia-type criminal organization, suspected of fueling arms trafficking with ramifications in Turkey, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Belgium and France.
International police cooperation
In his statement, Nicolas Bessone, prosecutor of the Republic, specifies that “French and Belgian police officers from Europol, present on site, helped to ensure the necessary connections with other European countries also interested in this criminal group, within the framework of international police cooperation.”
The gendarmes were able to document the alleged role of several members of this organization in the transport and circulation of weapons on the national territory.
On June 9, 2026, a coordinated legal operation was launched under the jurisdiction of the Alpes-Maritimes departmental gendarmerie group.
Handguns and various ammunition seized
During the searches, three handguns and various ammunition were seized, as well as 31,000 euros in cash, four luxury vehicles, jewelry and various luxury items, for a total value currently estimated at 1,475,000 euros.
Ten people, all Turkish nationals, suspected of belonging to this criminal organization led by an individual currently incarcerated in Turkey, were arrested and placed in police custody.
Presented before an investigating magistrate, they were indicted and nine of them were placed in provisional detention, the last having been placed under judicial control.
