German police dismantle 'Daltons' criminal network

German police and the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) conducted a major operation against the 'Daltons' criminal group, resulting in the arrest of six men in Cologne and one key suspect, Ali S., in Marbella, Spain. The operation follows a 21-month undercover investigation into the group, which is suspected of involvement in attempted murder, extortion, and drug trafficking.

Authorities seized cannabis, cocaine, 10,500 euros in cash, 2,500 euros in counterfeit currency, and 15 firearms. The seized weapons include counterfeit Glock pistols believed to have been illegally produced in Turkey and smuggled into Germany. Some firearms were modified to function like automatic weapons, capable of firing up to 17 rounds per second.

Investigators noted a particularly disturbing discovery when a loaded pistol was found hidden under a small child's pillow in a suspect's apartment. Ali S., a man of Turkish origin, is suspected of leading the weapons and drug trafficking network. Although he previously used a valid passport, he reportedly used a forged Bosnian passport during police checks. He is believed to have operated his criminal activities from a cafe in the Milheim district of Cologne.