Marseille Drug Gangs Recruit Children With Money, Force Them Into Serious Crimes
Summary
Drug gangs in Marseille are luring children with money and then forcing them into violent crimes, including kidnapping, torture and murder. French authorities say the problem has escalated into a national security challenge as gangs recruit minors through social media and street-level networks.
Key Points
- Drug gangs in Marseille are recruiting children with promises of money and later forcing them into serious crimes such as kidnapping, torture and murder.
- The powerful gang DG Mafia has expanded its reach through social media recruitment, targeting vulnerable teenagers from across France.
- French police say more than 10,000 children were involved in drug trafficking in 2025, while thousands linked to DG Mafia have been arrested or jailed.
- Families of victims say the violence is destroying households and leaving long-term emotional and social damage.
