From crime to departure: The most dangerous Syrian clan in Germany leaves voluntarily
A large Syrian family known for its extensive criminal record has left Germany to return to Syria, according to the Ministry of Justice in the state of Baden-Württemberg. Authorities clarified that 17 family members, many of whom were previously known to the police, left the country largely voluntarily, while three other members are still serving prison sentences for several years inside Germany.
The family, originally from Syria, arrived in Germany between 2015 and 2020 and settled in the city of Stuttgart. In recent years, its members have become known in the southwest of the country for their involvement in a series of violent crimes and thefts, which has put them under constant police surveillance. According to reports, the family is accused of committing more than 160 crimes, some of which are violent and serious in nature.
The ministry indicated that four family members had left Germany earlier this year, between June and August, some of them directly after being released from prison or pre-trial detention. The remaining thirteen left the country together last Saturday, in what appears to be a coordinated exit for the entire family.
Under the voluntary return program implemented by the German government, each individual leaving received an average amount of 1350 euros as financial assistance to encourage them to leave the country voluntarily, instead of resorting to lengthy and complicated deportation procedures.
The departure of the family has sparked a wide debate in Germany about policies related to crime, immigration, and deportation. While some see their departure as a relief for local authorities, others question the logic of granting public funds to individuals convicted of serious crimes. Authorities confirmed that the three remaining family members will not be released until they have fully served their sentences, and only then will the possibility of their return to Syria be considered.