# Crime trends in North Rhine-Westphalia > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/crime-trends-in-north-rhine-westphalia > Updated: 2026-10-24T15:57:44.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 3. Recent reports from North Rhine-Westphalia highlight distinct criminal issues within the state. A report from the State Criminal Police Office indicates a significant rise in domestic violence fatalities, which increased by 27 percent to 65 deaths, despite only a slight rise in total domestic violence cases. Interior Minister Herbert Reul noted that most victims are women living with their attackers and emphasized the challenge of unreported crimes. Separately, authorities are investigating a surge in nighttime shootings targeting residential and commercial buildings. In the Cologne area, approximately 30 cases have been investigated since Pentecost, involving attacks on restaurants, homes, and shops, including recent incidents in Brühl, Merkenich, and Rodenkirchen. Other shootings, such as those at a car rental agency in Kirchlengern and a shisha bar in Gütersloh, are also under examination. Oliver Huth, state chairman of the Federal Association of German Criminal Investigators, identified a phenomenon involving the ‘Gen-Z Mafia.’ This group, described as highly mobile Turkish youths residing illegally in the EU, is suspected of using machine pistols and other war weapons to extort protection money, often targeting Turkish business owners by firing from moving vehicles. Recent police activity in late October 2026 includes homicide investigations in Recklinghausen, where an 83-year-old man was placed in pretrial detention following the death of his wife, and in Gelsenkirchen, where a 41-year-old man was injured during a firearm and knife confrontation. Additionally, police in Münster conducted an operation against document forgery resulting in five arrests, alongside the dismantling of two cannabis plantations. ## Claims - The shootings may be linked to protection racket extortion by a group called the ‘Gen-Z-Mafia’. (corroborated by 10 sources) - The Gen-Z-Mafia primarily targets Turkish businesspeople. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Perpetrators have used war weapons, including submachine guns, during intimidation attempts. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Police in North Rhine-Westphalia are investigating frequent nighttime shootings at businesses and homes. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Police in the Cologne area have investigated approximately 30 shooting cases since Pentecost. (single source) - A residential and commercial building in Brühl was shot at during the night on a Sunday. (single source) - An unknown perpetrator shot multiple times at a car rental agency in Kirchlengern. (single source) - In Bielefeld, shootings have previously targeted a car dealership and a jeweler. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-24: North Rhine-Westphalia police report violent incidents and crime operations Police in North Rhine-Westphalia reported a homicide investigation in Recklinghausen, a shooting and stabbing in Gelsenkirchen, and a nationwide operation against document forgery. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-rhine-westphalia-police-report-violent-incidents-and-crime-operations ### 2026-10-18: North Rhine-Westphalia police investigate series of nighttime shootings Police in North Rhine-Westphalia are investigating a series of nighttime shootings against businesses, suspected to be linked to protection racket extortion by organized criminal groups. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/police-investigate-series-of-shootings-in-north-rhine-westphalia ### 2026-10-16: North Rhine-Westphalia reports surge in domestic violence deaths Domestic violence fatalities in North Rhine-Westphalia rose by 27 percent last year, reaching 65 deaths, according to a new police report. Total cases reached a record high of 61,900. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-rhine-westphalia-reports-surge-in-domestic-violence-deaths --- Cite as: Crime trends in North Rhine-Westphalia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/crime-trends-in-north-rhine-westphalia