SUMMARY

DZ Mafia (also known as Mafia DZ) was a criminal organization based in France, with operations extending into Spain. The name "DZ" derived from "el-Djazaïr," the Arabic name for Algeria, reflecting the organization's cultural roots. The group was driven by territorial control over drug markets, criminal profit, and coercive dominance over the communities in which it operated.

Based in the public housing blocks of French cities, the group was composed primarily of first- or second-generation immigrants. It originated in the Cité la Paternelle housing project in Marseille and subsequently expanded its network to operate in Lyon and Montpellier, as well as across the border into Spain. The DZ Mafia emerged during the COVID-19 lockdown, reportedly gaining influence by maintaining cannabis supply at a time when much of France was under strict restrictions.

The organization operated under a leadership structure directed in part from within prison, due to its leaders being incarcerated for violent crimes linked to the group. The group demonstrated the capacity to conduct targeted killings, coordinate attacks across national borders, and mount a sustained campaign of violence against prison facilities.

DZ Mafia has been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organized violence.