Kidnap Plot Foiled, Six Arrested

In a dramatic international law enforcement operation, six individuals were arrested for their involvement in a plot to kidnap an Albanian drug trafficker. The arrests, which took place across several European countries, were part of a German-led investigation with support from Europol.

The operation targeted a group of mercenaries, some of whom were former members of the French Foreign Legion, hired by a criminal network. This group was contracted to abduct the leader of a rival drug trafficking gang suspected of stealing several tonnes of cannabis. The arrests occurred on November 12, 2025, in Denmark, France, Latvia, and the United Kingdom, with previous arrests in Germany in October 2014 leading to convictions.

Europol played a pivotal role in the operation by facilitating the exchange of information and providing analytical support among the participating countries. On the action day, Europol also deployed an expert to Nice, France, to assist in real-time information sharing and operational coordination.

This incident is linked to the growing trend of “Violence-as-a-Service,” where criminals with military training are hired to execute violent crimes for organized groups. The investigation highlighted the challenge posed by highly trained ex-military personnel, including those returning from the conflict in Ukraine, who enter the criminal world, thereby raising significant security concerns for Europe.

Participating authorities included Copenhagen Police, State Criminal Police of North Rhine-Westphalia, French National Police, Latvian State Police, and the Metropolitan Police of the United Kingdom. The success of this operation underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling organized crime and preventing violence.