Investigative Report Details Operations of Turkish Gang Networks in Switzerland and Germany

An investigation by public broadcaster SRF has revealed the structure and criminal operations of two interconnected gang networks, Tolhildan and the Daltons, active in Switzerland and Germany. Federal law enforcement authorities confirmed that the groups engage in drug trafficking, protection rackets, illegal gambling, and arms trade directed by leaders based outside the country.

The group Tolhildan maintains an operational presence in Basel, where its suspected local leader has a registered address and a meeting venue. Investigative journalist Cevheri Güven stated that several network members possess paramilitary training from the militant Kurdish organisation PKK, raising their operational threat profile beyond standard gang activity. A 2024 gathering in the canton of Aargau connected the local structure to internationally sought drug boss Siirtli Naci, who is wanted by Interpol for large-scale cocaine distribution across Europe.

The Daltons, a former Istanbul street gang, have expanded into Western European cities while launching attacks against commercial property in the German states of Baden-Württemberg, Berlin, and North Rhine-Westphalia. German police attributed an April 2026 arson attack on a shisha bar in Mannheim to the network. The group recruits minors using social media platforms, while its primary leader allegedly directs operations from Russia to avoid Turkish prosecution.

Investigators uncovered temporary weapon shops operating on the messaging service Telegram, where the networks offered 3D-printed handguns manufactured in Turkey alongside assault rifles and machine guns. Arms experts confirmed the functionality of the military-grade hardware listed in the digital storefronts. In a written response, a representative for the Daltons denied any presence in Switzerland or involvement with Siirtli Naci.

Markus Gisin, head of the Swiss Federal Criminal Police at Fedpol, confirmed selective cross-border cooperation between Tolhildan and the Daltons inside Switzerland. Gisin reported that foreign-based figures manage the core leadership while local members handle transport and logistics on Swiss soil. Fedpol is coordinating its investigations with Europol and foreign partner agencies to address cross-border gang operations.

Written by Martina Kirchner martina.kirchner@alpineweekly.com