The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Berlin has unveiled a comprehensive and urgent action plan targeting organized crime, a move sparking both praise and raising critical questions about the evolving nature of criminal threats within the city. The program, presented by Justice Senator Felor Badenberg and detailed in a document reviewed by “Welt”, proposes ten concrete measures intended to bolster police, judicial and financial authorities in their fight against increasingly complex criminal networks.
The core strategy focuses on dismantling the financial foundations that underpin these organizations, accelerating investigations and mitigating their ability to improperly influence legal proceedings. A key element centers on addressing what the document describes as “alarming connections” between members of criminal clans and Islamist groups-a direct acknowledgement of a worrying convergence of illicit activities. This linkage immediately invites scrutiny regarding the potential for conflation and the need for meticulous evidence-based action to avoid discriminatory targeting.
Among the proposed interventions, the plan includes a reversal of the burden of proof in asset confiscation cases, a potentially controversial measure that demands rigorous safeguards to protect individual rights and prevent abuse. Furthermore, the integration of Artificial Intelligence into financial investigations is envisioned, raising concerns about data privacy, algorithmic bias and the potential for misidentification. The plan also mandates licensing and reliability checks for car rental businesses, intended to curtail the use of vehicles in criminal operations. A specialized operational center for financial investigations, bringing together police, prosecution and tax authorities, is also proposed.
The Police Union (GdP) has welcomed the CDU’s plan, with Landeschef Stephan Weh emphasizing the adaptability and global reach of organized crime, stating, “Organized crime is like a hydra, constantly identifying new business sectors and rapidly adapting”. He underscored the crucial role of targeting financial resources to disrupt criminal activities.
However, the aggressive nature of the proposed actions and the explicit mention of connections to Islamist groups are prompting a debate within political circles and civil liberties groups. Critics argue that the plan risks overreach and necessitates stringent oversight to prevent human rights violations and the potential criminalization of innocent individuals. Questions are being raised about the evidentiary basis for the claims of connections to Islamist groups and whether the proposed measures are proportionate to the identified threats. The plan’s success will ultimately hinge on its meticulous implementation and a commitment to upholding due process and fundamental rights in the pursuit of justice.