# DZ Mafia threats against Alès mayor

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dz-mafia-threats-against-als-mayor
> Updated: 2026-08-13T14:05:32.000Z. Sources: 38. Developments: 4.

In mid‑July 2026, Christophe Rivenq, the mayor of Alès in France’s Gard department, was targeted by a series of intimidation tactics. The threats included an envelope containing two 9mm bullets and a note signed by the DZ Mafia, as well as threatening graffiti on his property. Rivenq, a member of Les Républicains, indicated the threats were linked to his anti‑drug‑trafficking initiatives.

Following a suspected car‑bomb warning on the night of 20–21 July, the elite RAID unit evacuated the mayor from his residence. He was placed under heightened police protection, including the use of an emergency‑alert button. While individuals claiming to represent the Marseille‑based DZ Mafia released a video on social media denying involvement—calling the act ‘lâche et odieux’ and stating they do not target elected officials—investigators continued to pursue the true perpetrators.

On 13 August, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin visited Alès to express support for Rivenq. Darmanin noted that the investigation, led by the National Anti-Crime Prosecutor's Office (Parquet national anticriminalité), is progressing and may reach a resolution in the coming weeks. The mayor stated that despite the difficulty the situation has caused his family, he remains undeterred in his duties. The criminal group's activities in the region are reportedly tied to efforts to dominate local drug trafficking networks, a conflict that has already resulted in several fatalities in the area.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-13: Alès Mayor receives support from Gérald Darmanin amid DZ Mafia threats

Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin visited Alès to support Mayor Christophe Rivenq, who faces death threats from the DZ Mafia criminal group. Investigations into the narcotics-related intimidation are ongoing.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/als-mayor-receives-support-from-grald-darmanin-amid-dz-mafia-threats

### 2026-07-23: Mayor of Alès Threatened; DZ Mafia Releases Video Denying Involvement

Mayor Christophe Rivenq of Alès was threatened with bullets and a letter; after a police raid, the DZ Mafia posted a video denying involvement and condemning the intimidation.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mayor-of-als-threatened-dz-mafia-releases-video-denying-involvement

### 2026-07-21: Mayor of Alès exfiltrated after DZ Mafia threats

Alès mayor Christophe Rivenx was evacuated by RAID after threats, including bullets and graffiti, from the DZ Mafia; police placed him under high‑level protection.

25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mayor-christophe-rivenq-evacuated-from-als-home-after-renewed-dz-mafia-threats

### 2026-07-16: Alès Mayor Christophe Rivenx Threatened with Bullets by DZ Mafia

Alès mayor Christophe Rivenx received an envelope with two 9 mm bullets signed by DZ Mafia, prompting a death‑threat probe and CRS security deployment.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mayor-of-als-receives-threatening-9mm-bullets-signed-by-dz-mafia

---
Cite as: DZ Mafia threats against Alès mayor. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dz-mafia-threats-against-als-mayor