Fight against clan crime: More and more raids in Lower Saxony!

Fight against clan crime: More and more raids in Lower Saxony!

In the last few weeks, the issue of clan crime has once again made waves in Germany. The focus is on various criminal groups that are characterized by family relationships and shared ethnic origins. The police have repeatedly reported on their investigations in this context, particularly in Lower Saxony, where an Interior Ministry definition states that clans represent criminal groups linked by close family ties. However, this definition is repeatedly questioned. NDR reports concerns expressed by Thomas Müller, investigator at the Bremen police. He criticizes the fact that the term clan crime often creates a blanket classification of people based on their family structure. For example, all millers could be viewed as potentially criminal. This approach leads many voices to speak of “organized crime” or “criminal gangs” instead.

However, the problem extends even further. In North Rhine-Westphalia, Berlin and Lower Saxony, combating clan crime is a central concern of the authorities. Interior Minister Herbert Reul warns that social order is threatened by clan crime. Mass brawls, jewelry thefts and robberies often occur. Loud Deutschlandfunk This repeatedly leads to raids, like the recent one in the nightlife, to investigate the connections between clans and the bouncer scene. The numbers speak for themselves: In North Rhine-Westphalia, around 7,000 crimes by clan members were recorded in 2023, which means an increase of almost 7% compared to the previous year.

Statistical considerations and social challenges

Criticism of the term “clan crime” is becoming increasingly louder. Observers warn against racist stereotypes and recommend that this term be abolished. Reporting on clan crime often refers to large families of Arab, Turkish or Kurdish origin, which leads to massive stigmatization of those affected. The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) describes clan crime as criminal behavior by clan members in which their own norms are placed above the German legal system Federal situation report on “Organized Crime” current developments and possibly also their international dimension are documented.

Another problem is the so-called “clan marker” list in Lower Saxony, which can lead to arbitrary assignments. Critics are calling for this approach to be abolished because it results in systematic discrimination. The police have now also recognized that the term clan crime must be questioned, even if the state government repeatedly emphasizes that the security situation is taken seriously. Interior Minister Reul believes that raids as part of a zero-tolerance policy should increase citizens' sense of security, despite a decrease in riots from 179 in 2018 to 37 in 2022.

In summary, it can be said that the debate about clan crime in Germany is complex. While the authorities are taking rigorous action against this form of crime, the question of labeling and the associated social implications remains open. An objective discussion about possible alternatives to common terms could help reduce prejudices and improve the security situation.