An alleged mercenary has been arrested in London over a plot to kidnap the boss of an Albanian crime gang in revenge for a multimillion-pound drug theft.
Latvian nationwide Ainis Balodis, 45, was considered one of 4 males held in a world operation led by German police earlier this month.
The group, a few of whom are former French International Legion troopers, are mentioned by police to be extremely educated and have been geared up with skilled gear.
They have been allegedly employed by an organised crime group to kidnap the chief of a rival drug trafficking gang.
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One other one of many males arrested as a part of the probe. Pic: Europol
The goal, an Albanian crime boss, is suspected of orchestrating the theft of tonnes of hashish value tens of millions of euros.
Balodis, who flew into the UK on 31 October, is combating extradition to Germany the place he’s wished on expenses of conspiracy to kidnap between August and October final 12 months.
Westminster Magistrates’ Courtroom heard he was arrested at a six-bedroom gated property in London the place he’s believed to have been working as a safety guard.
Balodis has been remanded in custody forward of a full extradition listening to subsequent 12 months.
German police mentioned the investigation started in October final 12 months after two Latvian nationals have been discovered with skilled surveillance gear and gas-powered weapons throughout a car cease within the metropolis of Herne, in west Germany.
They’ve already been convicted and handed jail sentences, in line with police.
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Hashish vegetation found within the probe. Pic: North Rhine-Westphalia Police
Investigators additionally arrested a gang of Albanian suspects after discovering greater than 6,000 hashish vegetation from three massive hashish plantations.
4 folks have been arrested in Denmark, France, Latvia and the UK on Wednesday 12 November within the German-led investigation.
‘Violence as a service’ pattern
Europol mentioned the operation is linked to the rising “violence as a service” pattern, the place extremely educated specialists – usually former particular forces members – are employed by organised crime teams.
“A few of the suspects in this case are former French Foreign Legion soldiers,” Europol mentioned.
“This represents an alarming trend emerging from the war in Ukraine. Ukrainians trained by American forces, legionnaires and Russian mercenaries, all former combat-trained soldiers, are returning from the front and making use of their skills for organised crime, posing a potential threat.”
The organisation warned: “Europe may face an increased number of these highly trained individuals engaging in criminal activities” because the struggle continues and in its aftermath.
“It is crucial to monitor this development and prepare for the potential security challenges it presents,” Europol mentioned.
