Mafia Hires Young Killers for 20,000 Euros
- Cologne,Germany – European law enforcement agencies are expressing increasing concern over a disturbing trend dubbed "Crime as a Service," where criminal organizations are utilizing online platforms to recruit...
- A suspect has been apprehended in the Netherlands in connection with an arson attack on a clothing store in Cologne.
- Cologne police, working as part of the investigative group "Fusion," identified Elam G.
European Police Concerned Over “Crime as a Service” Trend
Cologne,Germany – European law enforcement agencies are expressing increasing concern over a disturbing trend dubbed “Crime as a Service,” where criminal organizations are utilizing online platforms to recruit young individuals for violent acts. These groups often use messenger services like Telegram to solicit recruits for serious crimes.
Arson Suspect in Cologne Clothing Store Fire Arrested
A suspect has been apprehended in the Netherlands in connection with an arson attack on a clothing store in Cologne. According to investigators, the suspect, identified as Elam G., 18, allegedly set fire to the Lfdy clothing store in the early hours of Sept. 18, 2024. Following the incident, the suspect reportedly fled to Cologne Central Station before escaping to the Netherlands via Düsseldorf.
Investigation Leads to Arrest
Cologne police, working as part of the investigative group “Fusion,” identified Elam G. as a suspect through surveillance footage obtained near the crime scene and at Cologne Central Station. Authorities released images of the suspect, who was seen wearing a black hooded jacket with a white print, a black baseball cap with a red logo, black sports pants, and black-grey sneakers, and carrying a blue plastic bag.
The investigation involved a public search in both germany and the Netherlands. Investigators also used radio cell data to track the suspect. A European arrest warrant was issued, leading to the suspect’s apprehension by Dutch authorities, who are expected to hand him over to German custody.
Europol Report Details Recruitment Tactics
Europol has released a paper highlighting the growing trend of criminal networks recruiting young people for illicit activities across Europe. The report, titled ”The recruitment of young perpetrators for criminal networks,” indicates that individuals aged 13 to 17 are increasingly involved in cybercrime, online fraud, drug trafficking, violent crimes, illegal smuggling of refugees, and property crime, with a particular focus on the cocaine and cannabis trade.
according to Europol, these young recruits often serve as low-level dealers, drug couriers, smugglers, blackmailers, or even contract killers. The agency estimates that backers may pay up to 20,000 euros for a murder.
The europol report emphasizes that these young individuals typically operate at the lowest levels of the gang structure, receiving only essential facts to protect higher-ranking members from potential legal repercussions. “Typically, these minors lack direct contacts with higher ranks of the criminal networks,” the report states.
Gamification of Crime
Criminal organizations often use Telegram to communicate with recruits, with coordinators providing weapons, ammunition, and transportation to crime scenes. To entice young people, these organizations frame criminal acts as “challenges” or “missions,” and describe planned crimes as “play” or “competition.” Europol refers to this tactic as “Gamification,” suggesting that the use of familiar terms from the gaming world lowers inhibitions among young perpetrators.
“Sometimes video games are also used as teaching aids to learn shooting or violent techniques,” the Europol report notes.
past Incidents Highlight Youth Involvement
In September 2024, another explosive device detonated near the clothing shop attack in Cologne, causing property damage and minor injuries to a caretaker, who later died by suicide believing it was a personal revenge attack. The alleged bomber was only 15 years old at the time of the crime.
On Feb. 20, 2025, the suspect, then 16, confessed to the bombing. However, he refused to provide further information about the motive or any accomplices. Due to his age and residency in the Netherlands,the judge spared the accused of custody,but the teenager has to report regularly to the Dutch police.
European “Crime as a service” Trend: A Deep Dive
This article provides a thorough overview of the concerning ”Crime as a Service” trend, focusing on its impact on youth and the tactics used by criminal organizations, based solely on the details provided.We will address key questions to provide a clear understanding of this evolving criminal landscape.
What is the “Crime as a service” Trend?
This is a developing pattern where criminal organizations leverage online platforms to recruit young individuals for illicit activities. This disturbing trend is concerning European law enforcement agencies. The primary method of recruitment involves soliciting individuals, especially youths, through online platforms for involvement in violent crimes.
What Online Platforms Are Used for Recruitment?
Criminal groups often use messenger services, with Telegram being a frequent method for securing recruits.The open nature and encryption features of Telegram make it appealing for these operations.
What Types of crimes are Young People Being recruited For?
According to a Europol report, young people aged 13 to 17 are increasingly involved in a variety of crimes. This includes:
cybercrime
Online fraud
Drug trafficking (with a particular focus on cocaine and cannabis)
Violent crimes
Illegal smuggling of refugees
Property crime
How are Young People Used within Criminal Networks?
Young recruits frequently enough serve as the lowest level of operators in the criminal hierarchy. Europol indicates these young people may become:
Low-level drug dealers
Drug couriers
Smugglers
Blackmailers
Contract killers
What are the Financial Incentives for These Crimes, Based on the Europol Report?
The Europol report indicates that criminal organizations may pay up to 20,000 euros for a murder. this offers a glimpse into the financial incentives driving the recruitment of young individuals.
What is “Gamification” of Crime, and Why is It Used?
“Gamification” is a tactic used by criminal organizations to entice young people into criminal activities. Criminal groups frame illegal actions as “challenges” or “missions,” and describe planned crimes as “play” or “competition,” drawing on familiar terms from the gaming world.Europol suggests this tactic lowers inhibitions among young perpetrators.
How Do Criminals Use Gamification to Lure Young People?
The use of familiar terms from the gaming world is used to help lower inhibitions in young people. Coordinators provide weapons, ammunition, and transportation, while the Telegram messenger service is predominantly used for communication.Video games are also sometimes used as training aids to learn shooting or violent techniques.
Can You Provide Examples of Youth Involvement in Crimes?
The source text provides two noteworthy examples:
- Arson in Cologne: An 18-year-old, Elam G., was apprehended in the Netherlands in connection to an arson attack on a clothing store in Cologne. The suspect fled to the Netherlands after the incident.
- Bombing near Clothing Shop: In September 2024, an explosive device detonated near the clothing shop attack in Cologne. This resulted in minor injuries and property damage. The alleged bomber, who was only 15 at the time, confessed in February 2025 but refused to provide additional information.
How is the Suspect in the Cologne Arson Case Being Handled?
After an arson attack on a clothing store, the suspect, Elam G., fled to the Netherlands. A European arrest warrant was issued, and Dutch authorities apprehended him. He is expected to be handed over to German custody.
What Role Did Surveillance Footage Play in Identifying Suspects?
Cologne police utilized surveillance footage obtained near the crime scene and at Cologne central Station to identify Elam G. as a suspect in the arson attack. They released images of the suspect to aid in the inquiry.
How is law Enforcement Tracking Down Suspects?
Investigators use several methods to track suspects:
Surveillance Footage: Examining footage from crime scenes and transit locations.
Public Search: Conducting public searches in both Germany and the Netherlands.
Radio Cell data: Using radio cell data to track the suspect’s location.
* European Arrest Warrant: Issuing warrants that allow for the apprehension of suspects across Europe.
To summarize key aspects, here is a table:
Summary of Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
| ————————- | —————————————————————————————————— |
| Trend | “Crime as a Service,” recruiting young people for crimes. |
| Recruitment Method | Online platforms like Telegram.|
| Age Range | Young people aged 13 to 17 |
| Common Crimes | Cybercrime,online fraud,drug trafficking,violent crimes,property crime. |
| Youth Role | low-level dealers, couriers, smugglers, blackmailers, contract killers. |
| Gamification Tactic | Framing crimes as “challenges” or “missions” to lower inhibitions. |
| Financial Incentive | Up to 20,000 euros for a murder.|