Polish and international authorities have charged 23 individuals with belonging to a transnational criminal network associated with Hells Angels and Turkish crime families.
International Operation
Coordinated actions by Polish and foreign services led to the arrest of 23 individuals who have been charged with participation in an international organized criminal group linked to members of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang and so-called Turkish clans.
Cross-Border Investigation
The proceedings are being conducted by the Lesser Poland Department for Organized Crime and Corruption of the National Prosecutor’s Office in Krakow in cooperation with the Düsseldorf Prosecutor’s Office. According to Prosecutor Katarzyna Calów-Jaszewska from the General Prosecutor’s Office, “since January 19, 2026, coordinated actions have been carried out in Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic and Spain”.
Criminal Activities
According to the investigation’s findings, group members were involved in activities including arms and ammunition trafficking, introducing counterfeit money into circulation, smuggling and trading significant quantities of drugs, vehicle theft, profiting from prostitution, and “illegal smuggling of toxic waste to Poland.”
Seized Evidence
During actions in Poland and Germany, firearms and ammunition, significant amounts of drugs and cigarettes without Polish excise stamps were secured. False official identification cards, elements of Polish service uniforms, and seals of Polish and German offices were also secured, which were used to forge documents.
Financial Seizures
The investigation also revealed criminal proceeds. According to the statement, “€200,000 in cash from criminal activity, hidden in a specially prepared hiding place, was also secured.”
Legal Proceedings
As part of the Polish line of investigation, the court – considering the prosecutor’s requests – applied temporary detention for four suspects for a three-month period. For one suspect, the prosecutor applied preventive measures of freedom.
International Cooperation
The Prosecutor’s Office emphasizes that “the detection and prevention of the criminal activities was possible thanks to intensive international cooperation” between the Lesser Poland Department for Organized Crime and Corruption of the National Prosecutor’s Office and the Düsseldorf Prosecutor’s Office. It was also indicated that the cooperation was coordinated by Polish and German representatives at Eurojust.
Investigation Details
The investigation is being conducted with the participation of officers from the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), the Headquarters of the Central Investigation Bureau of Police in Krakow, and the Carpathian Border Guard Branch. During the proceedings, testimony from a protected witness was also used. The suspects face sentences of up to 15 years in prison.