Berlin is facing growing concerns over escalating violence linked to rival Turkish and Kurdish criminal groups battling for control of the city’s drug trade, according to local reports.

The conflict has reportedly intensified between four major gangs identified as the Daltons, Ezgins, Caspers and Sirinler networks, with authorities warning that shootings and grenade attacks are becoming increasingly frequent across the German capital.

Shootings And Grenade Attacks Increasing Across Berlin

According to reports, Berlin has recorded 515 shooting incidents since the beginning of 2025 as criminal violence continues to rise.

Authorities say attacks now regularly include drive-by shootings, grenade assaults and targeted attacks against businesses linked to rival groups.

The growing violence has raised concerns among police officials about the expansion of organised criminal activity within the city.

Police Warn Violence Has Reached New Level

Manuel Ostermann, head of the German Police Union, said the nature of gang conflicts has changed significantly.

“Today this is no longer about street fights, but open use of firearms and grenades,” he said.

Police union representative Benjamin Jendro also warned that Germany could begin seeing criminal recruitment methods similar to those previously observed in Sweden, where young people are allegedly paid to carry out attacks.

He said financial incentives could encourage vulnerable individuals to participate in violent crimes.

Special Police Units Created To Combat Organised Crime

In response to the escalation, Berlin police have established specialised units known as Ferrum and Telum to target organised criminal activity.

Within three months, the Ferrum unit reportedly opened 260 investigations and seized a large quantity of weapons.

Police said confiscated items included 18 combat pistols, ten gas and signal pistols, 50 knives, baseball bats and stun guns.

The developments reflect growing concern in Germany over organised crime networks operating across major urban centres and the increasing availability of illegal firearms.

Authorities continue investigating the rival groups as police presence and security operations intensify across Berlin neighbourhoods affected by gang-related violence.