Karim Bouyakhrichan, one of Europe’s most wanted criminals and alleged leader of the Mocro Maffia, was inadvertently released from a Spanish prison owing to a judicial mix-up. After a five-year money laundering investigation, Bouyakhrichan was detained by police in January. Despite a request from the Dutch government, the 46-year-old known as “Taxi” was released due to confusion and has since vanished.
The Mocro Maffia is one of Europe’s largest cocaine trafficking syndicates, thought to have smuggled billions of euros worth of drugs in the last 15 years. They are also accused of money laundering operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Morocco.
Authorities arrested Bouyakhrichan and five other individuals, accusing him of purchasing 172 properties in Spain worth over €50 million ($53.4 million). Although the Dutch authorities requested Bouyakhrichan’s extradition to face drug trafficking charges, the Málaga court denied it, claiming jurisdiction over his arrest location. They maintained that he must first face money laundering charges in Spain.
Bouyakhrichan’s release has prompted concern and efforts to apprehend him for his alleged involvement in a drug war that has claimed numerous lives across Europe and North Africa.
