Düsseldorf prosecutors seek up to 13 years in prison in €11M 'Rich Kids' drug trial

Prosecution demands long prison terms in Düsseldorf

Public prosecutors in Düsseldorf requested prison sentences of up to 13 years for six defendants in the trial of an illicit narcotics ring known as the "Rich Kids." Public prosecutor Fabian Pollex presented the sentencing demands for the men, who range in age from 34 to 58 years old. The state asked the court to impose penalties of 13 years and 12.5 years of imprisonment on the two primary defendants who acted as the masterminds of the syndicate. For a 45-year-old co-defendant residing in Bad Honnef, who investigators say advanced into the inner leadership circle over time, the prosecution requested an 11-year prison sentence. For the three other defendants standing trial in the case, the prosecution demanded custodial sentences of six years, eight and a half years, and nine years. The proceedings earned the moniker "Rich Kids" because several of the accused individuals originate from wealthy, prominent families located in the Rhineland region.

Scope of the multi-million euro drug network

The criminal enterprise originated in 2022 when the two primary accused individuals founded the organization to orchestrate large-scale narcotics sales. Investigators calculated that the ring generated approximately 11 million euros in revenue from its illicit drug transactions. The prosecution outlined that the group handled substantial quantities of narcotics across multiple categories, including several hundred kilograms of cocaine and four metric tons of marijuana. The network also traded in liquid chemicals and prescription pharmaceuticals, moving around 20 liters of amphetamine oil alongside roughly 5,000 oxycodone tablets. In addition, the defendants distributed approximately 1,000 ecstasy tablets through their established distribution channels.

Cross-border raids across five European countries

The law enforcement operation against the syndicate began when investigators in Bonn uncovered initial evidence regarding the group during a separate, unrelated criminal investigation. Police and judicial authorities subsequently engaged in a months-long analytical effort focused on decrypted chat logs, digital messages, and commercial accounting records kept by the gang. The comprehensive review of accounting ledgers enabled authorities to map the logistics, inventory levels, and financial proceeds of the criminal organization. In late March 2025, law enforcement launched a coordinated international operation that involved simultaneous raids of residential and commercial properties. Police officers executed search warrants and arrested the suspects across five European nations: Germany, Spain, Belgium, Poland, and the Netherlands.

Confessions and court schedule for final verdicts

During the trial proceedings in Düsseldorf, all six defendants admitted their participation and entered comprehensive confessions regarding the drug transactions. Prosecutor Fabian Pollex noted that one of the defendants delivered substantial assistance that aided investigators in solving the network and clarifying the syndicate's operational structures. Following the conclusion of the prosecution's closing arguments, defense attorneys are scheduled to present their formal closing pleas on the coming Friday. The presiding judges at the Düsseldorf district court have announced that the final verdict in the criminal proceedings is scheduled for delivery one week after the defense pleas conclude.