# Organized crime and drug trafficking trials in Germany

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/organized-crime-and-drug-trafficking-trials-in-germany
> Updated: 2026-10-16T15:40:41.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 3.

Legal proceedings are progressing in Germany regarding major organized crime operations involving large-scale drug trafficking and violent theft.

In Düsseldorf, the District Court has sentenced six members of the ‘Rich Kids’ criminal organization to prison terms between five and twelve years. The group, which included individuals from wealthy Rhineland families, operated from 2022 until March 2025. Convicted of large-scale drug trafficking, the gang generated an estimated eleven million euros in revenue through the sale of approximately one ton of cocaine, four tons of marijuana, 20 liters of amphetamine oil, and various ecstasy and oxycodon tablets. The two primary leaders, Maximilian G. and Marvin G., received sentences of twelve years and eleven and a half years, respectively. While six defendants were sentenced, authorities suggest more than 40 people may have been involved in the organization.

Concurrently, the Cologne District Court has commenced the trial of seven suspects, aged 36 to 48, linked to a significant marijuana robbery in Hürth. The defendants face charges including particularly serious robbery, dangerous bodily harm, false imprisonment, and armed cannabis trafficking. The case involves a June 2024 incident where suspects allegedly used machine pistols to assault and bind warehouse guards to seize 350 kilograms of marijuana. This robbery is cited as the catalyst for a period of violent retaliation in the region, characterized by hostage-taking, torture, and explosive attacks, known as the ‘Cologne drug war’.

## Claims

- The Düsseldorf District Court sentenced members of the 'Rich Kids' drug gang to prison terms of up to twelve years. (disputed by 7 sources)
- The two main defendants were sentenced to twelve years and eleven and a half years in prison respectively. (disputed)
- The gang sold nearly one ton of cocaine and four tons of marijuana by March 2025. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The group was dubbed the 'Rich Kids' because several members come from wealthy families in the Rhineland. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Sentences for the six defendants ranged between five and twelve years. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The court ordered the seizure of millions of euros in criminal proceeds. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The gang's earnings were estimated at eleven million euros. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Seven suspects, aged 36 to 48, are facing trial at the Cologne District Court. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The robbery involved approximately 350 kilograms of marijuana stolen from a warehouse in Hürth. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The suspects used machine pistols during the robbery. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The robbery is considered the trigger for a wave of violence known as the ‘Cologne drug war’. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The robbery occurred in June 2024 at a warehouse in Hürth near Cologne. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-16: Düsseldorf Court sentences 'Rich Kids' drug gang to prison

The Düsseldorf District Court sentenced six members of the 'Rich Kids' drug gang to up to 12 years in prison for trafficking tons of cocaine and marijuana, generating an estimated 11 million euros.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dsseldorf-court-sentences-rich-kids-drug-gang-to-prison

### 2026-10-05: Cologne District Court begins trial for major marijuana robbery

Seven suspects face trial in Cologne for a 2024 marijuana robbery in Hürth that triggered a violent wave of crime known as the ‘Cologne drug war’.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cologne-district-court-begins-trial-for-major-marijuana-robbery

### 2026-10-02: Düsseldorf prosecutors seek prison terms in ‘Rich Kids’ drug trial

German prosecutors have sought up to 13 years in prison for members of a drug trafficking ring known as the ‘Rich Kids’ trial, involving 11 million euros in illegal revenue.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dsseldorf-prosecutors-seek-prison-terms-in-rich-kids-drug-trial

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Cite as: Organized crime and drug trafficking trials in Germany. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/organized-crime-and-drug-trafficking-trials-in-germany