Berlin launches a campaign against gangs, a plan inspired by Italy to fight the mafia
The Minister of Justice in Berlin, Flor Badenberg, announced her intention to intensify efforts to combat organized crime, focusing on targeting known gangs in the city. In a statement to the "Tagesspiegel" newspaper, she mentioned that she aims to enhance the effectiveness of confiscating illegal assets, as a step to deter criminals and deprive them of their profits.
The proposed mechanism is based on a successful experiment in Italy known as "reverse burden of proof." Currently, the responsibility to prove that wealth comes from illegal sources lies with the public prosecution and the courts. However, if this new model is applied, it will be up to the suspects to prove that their money was obtained through legitimate means.
The minister has tasked three experts with studying the possibility of introducing this measure into the German legal system. The results of this study are expected to be presented in September, with the potential to be a pivotal step in Berlin's efforts against gangs.
Although Germany is already using asset confiscation mechanisms to combat organized crime, Flor Badenburg is seeking to tighten these measures, especially in the capital Berlin. She believes that reversing the burden of proof could deal a strong blow to criminal structures by forcing them to reveal the sources of their wealth.
The Italian experience has proven effective, especially in pursuing the mafia, making it a model to be emulated in the fight against gangs in Berlin. The minister believes that this mechanism could be a crucial tool in reducing illegal activities and drying up the funding sources for organized crime.