Dutch drug lord Taghi sentenced to life for leading ‘murder organization’
The infamous leader of the Mocro-maffia gang, Ridouan Taghi, known for extensive cocaine trafficking and multiple murders, was handed a life sentence in decisive ruling by the Amsterdam District Court
Ridouan Taghi, once the most feared drug kingpin in the Netherlands, received a life sentence on Tuesday for his role in a series of murders that shook the country.
Taghi, 46, led the Mocro-maffia, a notorious Amsterdam-based gang involved in extensive cocaine distribution.
The trial has been one of the largest in Dutch history and concluded at the Amsterdam District Court amidst unprecedented security. Seventeen other suspects received sentences ranging from life to just under two years.
The court identified Taghi as the “undisputed leader” of what they termed a “murder organization” but was not present at the sentencing. The judge stated, “He decided who would be killed and spared no one,” emphasizing the ruthlessness of Taghi’s reign.
The prosecution’s case relied heavily on evidence from encrypted telephones and the testimony of Nabil B., a former gang member turned state witness.
This led to a new wave of violence, with the murders of Nabil B.’s brother, his lawyer Derk Wiersum, and Dutch crime journalist Peter R. de Vries, although these were not part of the trial’s charges.
Taghi was arrested in Dubai in 2019 and continued to orchestrate his criminal activities from prison, prosecutors claimed. His capture and trial have been significant for the Netherlands, with the case spanning over six years and involving more than 800 pages of evidence.
Dutch politicians, including far-right leader Geert Wilders, hailed the conviction as a victory for justice. Taghi has consistently denied the charges, criticizing the trial’s cost and suggesting the funds could be better used elsewhere.
As it has been nicknamed, the Marengo trial has drawn significant attention for its scale and the high-profile nature of the crimes involved. Despite the life sentence, Taghi’s sentence will be reviewed after 25 years, but this does not guarantee parole eligibility.
Source: Newsroom
