The Marseille criminal group nicknamed DZ Mafia continues to defy the authorities with impressive diversification and expansion. Long confined to drug trafficking, the gang has deployed its activities in new territories, now affecting the entire south of France, even venturing beyond French borders, notably in Spain.
This organization, nicknamed the Hydra by French law enforcement, multiplies misdeeds: drug trafficking, racketeering, assassinations, and threats against public figures. Recently, in Marseille, threatening inscriptions signed “DZ Mafia” were discovered on religious and public buildings, causing concern among residents and authorities.
Menacing inscriptions on a chapel in Marseille and acts similar to Marignane
On December 10, 2024, a tag bearing the inscription “You are all going to die, DZ Mafia” was discovered on the wall of the Notre-Dame de Nazareth chapel, located in the 11th arrondissement of Marseille. The authorities quickly opened an investigation to identify the perpetrators of this act of vandalism.
A few days later, on December 16, anti-Semitic inscriptions accompanied by swastikas and the words “DZ Mafia” were found on several public buildings in Marignane, a town near Marseille. These actions have heightened concerns about the use of this signature. Among the inscriptions noted were swastikas, the terms “dirty Jew”, “death to the mayor”, as well as the signature “DZ Mafia”.
The fact remains that these acts aroused strong emotion within the local community and were strongly condemned by the French authorities who take these acts very seriously. An investigation was opened to identify the perpetrators of this damage and bring them to justice. They have intensified their efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Investigations underway, but without tangible results
Investigations are underway to determine whether these inscriptions are the work of gang members or people using this signature to sow fear or cover their tracks. These incidents highlight the need for increased vigilance against acts of vandalism and hate messages, as well as the importance of combating the influence of criminal organizations in the region.
According to the authorities, this network has expanded its scope to a large part of the south of France, with incursions as far as Spain and other neighboring countries. Violence linked to drug trafficking has already caused 23 deaths in the Marseille region since January 2024. This territorial expansion is accompanied by a methodical diversification of its activities: racketeering of night establishments, targeted extortion, and control of lucrative markets such as as nightclub security.
Since October 1, 2024, 119 suspected members of the gang have been arrested, including more than 100 placed under investigation and 73 in pre-trial detention. The drug trafficking gang DZ Mafiaborn in Marseille, established itself as a major criminal force and extended its influence beyond Bouches-du-Rhône. Long focused on drug trafficking, the DZ Mafia has expanded its activities into racketeering, extortion and targeted assassinations.
Organized crime specialists have also highlighted the capacity to geographic projection you time. Let DZ Mafia now operates in cities like Nîmes, Montpellier, or even Lyon, by trying to control local deal points or by offering “reinforcements” to other organizations. Investigators also discovered evidence of the DZ Mafia's ability to operate outside its historical base, even organizing assassinations abroad. These cross-border connections highlight an organization that now adopts the classic methods of international mafias.
Spectacular expansion of a mafia gang defying all legality
This criminal gang from Marseille is involved in various trafficking, including lucrative drug trafficking. Violence linked to drug trafficking has already caused 23 deaths in the Marseille region since January 2024. The term “DZ” refers to Algeria, “Dzaïr” in Arabic. This group is known for its violence and its growing influence in Marseille's organized crime scene. Some go so far as to say that they are working for the agenda of a Mediterranean country on the other side.
It is essential to emphasize that the spread of messages of hatred and intimidation constitutes a serious attack on republican values and living together. Local and national authorities reaffirm their commitment to combating all forms of discrimination and violence, particularly those of an anti-Semitic nature.
The organization is not limited to classic illegal activities. According to investigators, attempts to infiltrate institutions have been noted: approaches by police officers to facilitate the smuggling of drugs, pressure on prison guards and even court clerks. Even more serious, death threats aimed at the director of Baumettes prison led to her being placed under protection.
The DZ Mafiatoday a key figure in modern banditry, embodies a multidimensional threat that requires bold responses and constant vigilance. While progress has been made, the fight against this hydra has only just begun.
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