The Netherlands has become a significant hub for British organized crime, eclipsing traditional strongholds like Spain's Costa del Sol, according to law enforcement observations and media reports. This shift is characterized by a more clandestine approach to criminal activities, with deals struck in quiet cafes and disputes settled discreetly.
Recent events, such as the fatal shooting of Liverpool gangster Paul Parker in Heerhugowaard last month, have brought renewed attention to the deep connections between the British and Dutch underworlds. Parker, 52, was wanted in connection with the 2017 murders of Dutchman Pieter Hoovers and his wife Tae Kawepanya in Amsterdam. Dutch sources suggest Parker was in the Netherlands to enforce a debt, indicating he may have been working as hired muscle for an organized crime group. He had reportedly been living in Europe for over two decades and was last based in Portugal before entering the Netherlands on a forged passport.
Historical Roots and Drug Trade Nexus
British traffickers began establishing a presence in the Netherlands in the 1980s, as the country emerged as a critical meeting point for international drug syndicates. Amsterdam, in particular, became known as the "stock exchange of the drug world," facilitating deals due to the Netherlands' strong trading links with South America and the Caribbean. The country's tolerance for drug possession and its well-known cannabis cafes and nightlife also contributed to its appeal.
During the 1990s, figures like Liverpool kingpin Curtis Warren leveraged the Netherlands as a base, amassing an estimated £200 million fortune by forging direct supply lines with South American cartels. His operations often involved hidden weapons caches and significant drug seizures by authorities.
Modern Operations and Transnational Smuggling
Today, major European cocaine imports continue to arrive at Dutch ports like Rotterdam, Europe's largest container hub. The sheer volume of cargo makes thorough inspection challenging, and corruption is cited as a facilitating factor. One significant operation involved a British network led by Paul Green, which smuggled an estimated £7 billion worth of heroin, cocaine, and cannabis concealed within shipments of onions, garlic, and ginger. Green was apprehended and sentenced to 32 years in prison in 2024.
The Influence of the Mocro Mafia
Organized crime in the Netherlands is significantly influenced by the Mocro Mafia, a network primarily composed of individuals from the Dutch Moroccan community. Under the leadership of crime boss Ridouan Taghi, this group gained a reputation for extreme violence, with evidence of torture chambers discovered by police. Taghi has been linked to numerous murders, including those of a key witness's lawyer and a prominent crime reporter.
Following Taghi's arrest in 2019, the Mocro Mafia has reportedly shifted focus from high-profile violence to acting as intermediaries for other drug gangs, including those supplying the UK. This involves sourcing cocaine from South American cartels and then selling it wholesale to British criminal networks operating in the Netherlands.
Discreet Operations and Familiar Haunts
Historically, venues like Café De Ketel in Rotterdam served as discreet meeting points for traffickers across Europe, operating with a buzzer system for entry before being raided by authorities in 2013. In Amsterdam, British gangsters, particularly those from Liverpool, developed routines and frequented specific locations. One such spot was a branch of Marks & Spencer, where they would meet and discuss their activities. The closure of this particular branch in 2016 altered some of these established patterns.
Francis Coggins, a prominent figure from Liverpool's Huyton Firm, operated from the Dutch coastal town of Zandvoort, arranging cocaine and heroin shipments to the UK via courier services. He evaded arrest for five years before being caught after an alcohol-fueled incident, leading to his 2025 sentencing.
Profitability and Reduced Friction
Experts suggest that the relative lack of public violence among British drug dealers in the Netherlands, compared to the more contested market in southern Spain, can be attributed to the sheer volume of cocaine available and strong demand from the UK. This abundance of business reportedly leads to fewer reasons for conflict. The incident involving Paul Parker is considered unusual in this context, highlighting that while peace may be profitable, disputes over payments, territory, or betrayals can still erupt.