Stuttgart Feud: 43 Convicted to Combined 137 Years in Prison
Massiv domfældelelse afslutter års langvarig bandekrig i Tyskland
One of Europe's largest gang conflicts draws to a close
The so-called Stuttgart feud represents one of the most extensive and violent gang wars Europe has witnessed in recent times. With the conviction of 43 people to a combined 137 years in prison, Stuttgart Landesgericht has brought the case to an initial conclusion — one that underscores the severity of organised crime in southern Germany.
The feud grew out of a power struggle between competing outlaw motorcycle clubs and criminal networks fighting for control over territory, drug trafficking and other illicit revenue streams in and around the Stuttgart area. Over the course of several years, the conflict escalated into widespread acts of violence that threatened public safety and demanded massive law enforcement responses.
Shootings and bombings
Throughout the feud, the region was marked by drive-by shootings, gang clashes in public spaces and premeditated attacks. Bombings of premises and vehicles were used as tools of intimidation between the rival factions. These acts resulted in deaths among gang associates as well as injuries to innocent civilians who became incidental victims of the violence.
The 43 convicted individuals include both leaders of the gang groups and active members who directly participated in or supported the criminal operations. Building the prosecution's case and documenting each person's role in the feud demanded an extensive investigative effort, including the analysis of communications, witness testimony and security camera footage.
A lengthy investigation
The investigation into the Stuttgart feud was extraordinarily resource-intensive and involved both local and federal authorities. Police were forced to establish dedicated task forces to manage the day-to-day violence and identify those responsible for the various attacks. The complexity of solving the individual cases was compounded by the closed nature of the gang environment and the fear that gripped potential witnesses.
