Dutch Mafia Leader Mistakenly Released by Spain After Threatening Princess Amalia

Ridouan Taghi, a Dutch mafia leader connected to a scheme to abduct or kill Princess Amalia of the Netherlands, remains at large after his rival, Karim Bouyakhrichan, was erroneously released on bail by a Spanish court. Bouyakhrichan, a leader of one of the Netherlands' 'Mocro Mafia' drug cartels, was arrested in Spain over a money laundering operation but was released due to a judicial mistake, despite an extradition request from Dutch authorities.

Princess Amalia, the heir to the Dutch throne, had to go into hiding in 2022 due to threats from drug gangs. The Dutch royal family and Prime Minister Mark Rutte were also targeted by the criminal organizations. Taghi and Bouyakhrichan have reportedly ordered failed gangland hits on each other over the years as part of an ongoing rivalry between their factions of the Mocro Mafia, a group of large cocaine trafficking cartels suspected of smuggling billions of euros worth of drugs.

Why this matters: The accidental release of Bouyakhrichan and the ongoing threats against the Dutch royal family underscore the growing power and influence of organized crime groups in Europe. The safety of high-profile figures, including royalty, is at risk as these criminal organizations become more audacious in their activities.

The Spanish justice minister has issued a warrant for Bouyakhrichan's arrest, calling his escape "worrying news." The Dutch public prosecution office has requested clarification from Spanish authorities on why the agreement to extradite Bouyakhrichan to the Netherlands was not honored. Dutch King Willem-Alexander thanked Spanish King Felipe VI for providing a safe haven for Princess Amalia in Madrid due to the threats from the drug crime gangs.

Taghi, considered a 'capo' of the Mocro Mafia, was arrested in 2019 and is currently in a Dutch prison. His brother, Samir 'Scarface' Bouyakrichan, was killed in a gang war with Taghi in 2014. Taghi then took over his late brother's operation, becoming a top target for police. The threats from the criminal underworld forced Princess Amalia to live outside the Netherlands for at least a year before she was able to return home after unspecified security measures were taken.

Key Takeaways

• Ridouan Taghi, a Dutch mafia leader, is wanted for plotting to abduct/kill Princess Amalia.
• Karim Bouyakhrichan, a rival mafia leader, was erroneously released on bail in Spain.
• The Dutch royal family and PM faced threats from drug cartels like the 'Mocro Mafia'.
• Taghi and Bouyakhrichan's rivalry led to failed assassination attempts on each other.
• Princess Amalia had to go into hiding due to the threats, later returning after security measures.