Berlin’s Underworld in Chaos: ‘Daltons’ Mafia Unleashes Violence, Led from Russia
Berlin is gripped by fear as a young, extremely violent mafia group, known as the ‘Daltons,’ unleashes a wave of shootings, hand grenade attacks, and six-figure extortion demands. Research by rbb’s political magazine ‘Kontraste’ indicates that these actions are orchestrated from Russia, exploiting a significant power vacuum in the city’s criminal underworld.
The Rise of the ‘Daltons’: A Pattern of Brute Force
For months, Berlin police and prosecutors have observed a disturbing surge in brutal attacks. According to rbb, approximately 200 investigations related to the ‘Daltons’ and similar groups are currently underway in the capital alone. Authorities are responding with new investigative structures, concerned about the establishment of a novel form of organized crime.
The ‘Kontraste’ report details a consistent pattern: business owners, primarily from the Turkish-Kurdish community, are subjected to intense pressure. Those who refuse to pay face severe consequences. In one incident, a 36-year-old man was shot seven times in the legs on a public street. A driving school chain has been repeatedly attacked, and in Kreuzberg, masked individuals threw a hand grenade into a restaurant. Supermarkets have also been targeted with gunfire after refusing to pay 250,000 Euros in protection money. The modus operandi, as described by rbb, is clear: a demand is made, followed by an act of violence, and then renewed pressure.
Felor Badenberg (50, CDU), Berlin’s Senator for Justice, commented in the rbb report on the systematic intimidation tactics employed. ‘Kontraste’ also highlights the group’s unusual public image: unlike traditional mafia structures, the perpetrators openly showcase their violence on social media, demonstrating rather than concealing their actions.
The Power Vacuum: The Death of ‘Kurden-Mehmet’
The name Mehmet K., known in the scene as ‘Kurden-Mehmet,’ frequently appears in the investigation. He was considered a stabilizing force in Berlin’s underworld. His death from cancer in early January seemingly created a power vacuum, which groups like the ‘Daltons’ have been quick to fill.
His funeral became a gathering for the criminal underworld. A man close to the deceased encapsulated the prevailing sentiment: “Now hell is breaking loose in Berlin. Now, everyone wants to make a name for themselves. I think from now on it will be worse, because now Mehmet Abi is no more, and he was for everything here to be on its straight path. And now the police have all the work!”
Young Recruits, International Ties: The ‘Daltons’ Global Reach
The rbb investigation reveals that the ‘Daltons’ deliberately recruit young men, often Kurdish asylum seekers. An investigative journalist explained how the gangs exploit the disappointment and lack of prospects among some newcomers, promising money, recognition, and a sense of belonging.
According to rbb, a convicted shooter from Berlin reportedly came into contact with the group as a minor in a refugee home. He was later sentenced to prison for shooting at businesses, suggesting he was merely an executor within a larger network.
The trail of the ‘Daltons,’ however, extends beyond Berlin. ‘Kontraste’ reports that the alleged leader, Berat Can Gökdemir, known as ‘Can Dalton,’ is believed to be in Russia. He faces lengthy prison sentences in Turkey for serious crimes, including murder, but extradition has not yet occurred. In the rbb program, a man claiming to be a group spokesman asserted that Gökdemir was not in custody but living in a “safe house” and could still communicate. This claim could not be independently verified.
A security expert explained that it is not uncommon for organized criminals to find refuge abroad, often in exchange for services such as money laundering or smuggling. The extent to which Russia influences the group remains unclear. What is evident from the rbb investigation is that the ‘Daltons’ operate internationally, presenting Berlin authorities with a new, aggressive form of organized crime.
Our questions remain unanswered:
- What is the full extent of the ‘Daltons’ network and their international connections?
- How are German authorities collaborating with international partners to address this cross-border criminal activity?
- What measures are being taken to prevent the radicalization and recruitment of vulnerable young people by such groups?
- What is the true impact of the power vacuum in Berlin’s underworld on the city’s safety and security?
What’s next?
The ‘Kontraste’ report has brought renewed attention to the escalating gang violence in Berlin. Authorities are under pressure to demonstrate effective strategies against this emerging threat. The ongoing investigations and the international dimensions of the ‘Daltons’ activities underscore the complexity of the challenge facing law enforcement.
If you have information regarding the ‘Daltons’ or other organized crime groups in Berlin, please contact us confidentially at: 📧 [email protected]. Your identity will be protected, and full anonymity is guaranteed.
