Mayor of Alès exfiltrated after DZ Mafia threats

Mayor Christophe Rivenq of Alès (Gard, France) was evacuated from his home overnight on July 20‑21 after intelligence indicated a possible car‑bomb threat. The action was carried out by the elite RAID police unit at the direction of Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, who said the mayor faced a "menace d'action violente" linked to the Marseille‑based drug gang DZ Mafia.

The mayor had previously received an envelope containing two 9 mm bullets and graffiti signed "DZ NG" and "CVN" on his property. He told reporters, "Je ne me laisserai pas intimider," and stressed his determination to continue the fight against narcotics. Authorities placed him under high‑level protection and opened a criminal‑threat investigation, highlighting the growing influence of the DZ Mafia in southern France and its impact on local governance and public safety.