Paris Establishes New National Anti-Organized Crime Prosecutor’s Office
Paris, January 20 – A significant step in the fight against organized crime was taken yesterday, January 19, 2026, with the official installation of the new National Anti-Organized Crime Prosecutor’s Office (PNACO) at the Paris Judicial Court. Vanessa Perrée was appointed as the head prosecutor, leading a team of 15 magistrates, with plans to expand to 30 by 2027. The new office is set to tackle the escalating challenges posed by organized crime, particularly drug trafficking, which has been described as a “mass delinquency” requiring specialized expertise.
A Growing Threat: The Rise of Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking
During the installation hearing, a stark overview of the evolution of organized crime in France was presented. Peimane Ghaleh-Marzban, President of the Paris Judicial Court, emphasized that organized crime has become a widespread issue, demanding a highly specialized and professional response. Magistrates highlighted recent high-profile cases, including the attack at the Incarville toll booth and cryptocurrency-related kidnappings, as evidence of the increasing violence associated with these criminal networks.
The proliferation of drug trafficking is a primary concern for the PNACO. In 2025 alone, 87 tons of cocaine were seized, indicating the immense scale of the problem. Prosecutor Perrée noted the growing violence and corruption linked to drug trade, as well as the disturbing trend of exploiting minors through social media for illicit activities. Laure Beccuau, Paris Prosecutor, likened organized crime to the Lernaean Hydra, with its numerous interconnected facets.
The PNACO: A New Strike Force Against Criminal Networks
The PNACO is designed to be a formidable “strike force” against the most serious forms of criminality. The initial team of 16 magistrates, drawn from various jurisdictions including Paris, Bobigny, and Montpellier, will be supported by 13 registry staff members. Prosecutor Perrée expressed full confidence in her team, stating, “We will make this prosecutor’s office a strike force.”
The creation of the PNACO stems from a June 2025 law aimed at extricating France from the grip of drug trafficking. While Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, the architect of this initiative, was absent due to budget voting, the commitment to this new legal framework remains strong.
The fight against organized crime is expected to be multifaceted, encompassing public health issues and financial dimensions. Cooperation will be crucial, not only with specialized interregional jurisdictions but also with international authorities, given the global reach of criminal networks.
First Cases and Future Prospects
To accommodate the new office, a new chamber, the 35th correctional chamber, has been established within the Paris court. In two weeks, the PNACO will present its first case at the juvenile court, involving a 14-year-old adolescent accused of murder in Marseille, allegedly acting under the influence of the “DZ Mafia.” This early case underscores the immediate challenges and the diverse nature of the crimes the PNACO will address.
The establishment of the PNACO marks a pivotal moment in France’s efforts to counter organized crime. With a dedicated team and a comprehensive approach, the new office aims to dismantle criminal networks, reduce violence, and protect communities from the pervasive influence of illicit activities.
