An explosive device detonated in Cologne on Monday morning, September 16. Later, a video of the incident surfaced. An expert comments on the nature of the device. Could it be linked to the Mocro-Mafia?
A burning fuse followed by a blindingly bright explosion. A video shows an unknown individual placing a blue plastic bag in the entrance of a building in Cologne’s city center and setting it alight. The detonation severely damaged parts of the entrance, as shown in photos from the scene. According to reports by the German Press Agency, one person, who was apparently in the entrance by chance, sustained minor injuries.
Weapons expert Lars Winkelsdorf suspects the device was made from illegal fireworks. “The slow detonation and the burning fuse suggest the use of so-called ‘Polish bangers,'” the expert told t-online. Fireworks sold in Poland or the Czech Republic often have significantly more explosive power than those available in Germany, where the possession, purchase, and sale of such often untested fireworks are prohibited.
Firework removes child’s fingers
The illegal fireworks are by no means safe, as evidenced by the annual reports from regions near the border around New Year’s Eve. In a prevention film, the federal police issue stern warnings about illegal fireworks, recounting the story of a 12-year-old who lost two fingers while handling one of these fireworks left behind by adults.
Winkelsdorf also issued a warning: “The bangers can cause fatal injuries; they are banned for a reason.” This applies especially to anyone standing close to the detonation.
“In the Cologne incident, the bright explosion was likely caused by a high magnesium content.” Burning magnesium can reach temperatures of up to 3,000 degrees Celsius. It is used in flash grenades and incendiary bombs. “These so-called bangers are like small hand grenades – they pack quite a punch.”
Mocro-Mafia active in Cologne?
In the Netherlands, violent escalations related to organized crime have been occurring for some time. One of the groups involved is the Mocro-Mafia, which has recently made headlines in Germany. In response to an inquiry from t-online, Dutch investigators confirmed that criminals associated with this group use a variety of explosives. “These include heavy fireworks as well as homemade explosives or bottles filled with flammable materials,” said Sara Tillart, a senior spokesperson for the Amsterdam police.
Earlier this summer, police in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) spoke of a “new dimension of violence.” A connection to organized crime in the Netherlands seems plausible. “The Dutch drug mafia has long been active here,” said Michael Mertens, head of the NRW police union (GdP) at the time.
Mocro-Mafia known for explosions
Explosions and extreme violence are part of the so-called Mocro-Mafia’s modus operandi. The name for this mafia organization was primarily coined by the media; investigators themselves do not use it. It originated from the fact that the organized drug trade was historically linked to connections with Morocco.
Until around 2010, the majority of marijuana traded in Europe was sourced from Morocco. Due to further internationalization and expansion of trade networks, the Mocro-Mafia today likely makes most of its profits from cocaine sales.
