Marseille has seen a sharp drop in violent crime, with police and judicial actions targeting the DZ Mafia, though challenges remain as new criminal groups emerge.
Gunfire reduction in Marseille
In Marseille, the number of gunfire incidents has dropped significantly, with only five narchomicides—shootings involving multiple victims—recorded since January 2025. This marks a notable shift from previous years, when violence was more frequent.Authorities credit DZ Mafia's dominance
The reduction in violence is attributed to the growing influence of the DZ Mafia, a powerful drug trafficking organization, and the police and judicial efforts targeting its leaders. Several key figures are now in custody, and the prosecutor of Marseille, Nicolas Bessone, described the current level of calm as "never seen before."Violence levels decline year by year
The year 2023 was particularly violent, with 49 narchomicides reported. This number dropped to 24 in 2024 and further to 16 in 2025. Bessone suggested that the DZ Mafia's dominance, though not absolute, has contributed to this decline, with its leaders currently being tried for a triple murder.Police and judicial actions play key role
The police have arrested several hit squads, and over 200 people under investigation will be tried by the court of assizes in Bouches-du-Rhône. The crime-fighting districts, known as QLCO, have disrupted the DZ Mafia's operations by targeting its highest figures.DZ Mafia's communication tactics
Despite being in custody, the DZ Mafia's main leaders have continued to recruit and commission assassinations. They have bypassed surveillance by using the "Telio system," a communication method involving numbers linked to lawyers or shell companies. This system has been dismantled, with at least one lawyer now under investigation.Origins and structure of DZ Mafia
The DZ Mafia emerged in 2023 during a territorial conflict in Marseille's northern quarters against the Yoda clan of Félix Bingui. The name refers to Algeria's country code (DZ), reflecting the origins of its founders. The organization operates without a declared leader, functioning similarly to a Mexican cartel with shared interests among its members.DZ Mafia's operations and influence
The DZ Mafia controls the entire drug trafficking chain, from supply to delivery, and has expanded its reach beyond Marseille. It has an armed branch capable of deploying hit squads nationwide. The organization has also diversified its income through extortion, targeting businesses and local rap artists.Authorities target legal facilitators
Authorities are now focusing on recovering the DZ Mafia's illicit funds, a complex task as much of the money is reinvested abroad in countries that are not cooperative. The prosecutor is also targeting the "criminal bourgeoisie," including bankers, notaries, and lawyers, who provide legal cover for drug traffickers.Drug trade's economic impact
The drug trade in France generates over six billion euros annually, according to the French Observatory on Drugs and Addictive Trends. The future of the DZ Mafia remains uncertain, with its leaders now isolated in the QLCO and possibly losing influence.Emergence of a new generation
A new generation of criminal actors, referred to as "DZNG," has appeared in 2026, potentially reshaping the landscape of narcobanditism. At this stage, the future leaders of the DZ Mafia have not yet emerged, leaving the future of the organization in question.
