Overview
- Police and prosecutors carried out a large coordinated operation on September 30, 2026 that searched about 140 locations in Germany and other European countries.
- More than 1,000 officers including special units took part in the raids while prosecutors sought to execute multiple arrest warrants linked to roughly 71 suspects.
- Investigators say the action focuses on a Europe‑wide money‑laundering network tied to the Hells Angels and aims to seize about €48.6–50 million in assets.
- The Duisburg public prosecutor’s office led the probe with the NRW financial‑crime office, and authorities allege crimes including formation of a criminal association, large‑scale money laundering, extortion, fraud, weapons offenses, and tax crimes.
- The investigation dates back more than four years and traces in part to a May 2022 shootout on Duisburg’s Hamborner Altmarkt, and officials warn legal follow‑ups and further seizures are likely as forensic accounting and cross‑border work continue.