Mehdi Laribi, a cofounder of the DZ Mafia based in Marseille, has been arrested in Algeria at the end of July and placed under judicial supervision, marking a significant development in the Franco-Algerian criminal case.

The operation ties to the broader Octopus crackdown, including a March sweep with about 900 gendarmes and roughly 40 arrests, of which 26 were charged and several DZ Mafia leaders were already detained.

Police describe the DZ Mafia as diversified in structure rather than strictly hierarchical.

A source close to the case says Laribi is a top target who may be coordinating DZ Mafia activities from abroad.

Laribi’s ascent through organized crime began at a young age, with early scenes tied to Marseille’s street life and a budding film context involving Khamsa and director Karim Dridi.

The ongoing crackdown aims to progressively tighten the net around the DZ Mafia’s leadership and disrupt its operations.

Laribi is described as a multimillionaire who allegedly controls several Marseille drug-dealing points, including the Bassens housing project.

He has been placed under judicial supervision rather than in custody.

Officials have labeled him a priority target in France’s fight against drug trafficking and organized crime.

The article notes the arrest as a potential turning point for the DZ Mafia, with ongoing questions about extradition or next steps as judicial processes continue.

The DZ Mafia is a Franco-Algerian network centered in Marseille, involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and other criminal activities beyond narcotics.

French judicial sources indicate that diplomatic efforts between Paris and Algiers helped Algeria execute the international arrest warrant, signaling strengthened judicial cooperation.