French former mafia boss Jean-Pierre Maldera, known as “the godfather,” was tragically killed on Wednesday morning near Grenoble. The incident occurred on a motorway where Maldera was shot and then run over following a car chase. Video footage circulating online shows a white BMW on the highway with the driver’s window shattered. According to Francois Touret de Coucy, Grenoble’s deputy public prosecutor, Maldera was fired upon with a Kalashnikov, sustaining injuries to his elbow. The fatal blow was likely due to the impact of being hit by the vehicle or falling onto the carriageway. A handgun was found near his body, and the perpetrators fled the scene in a stolen vehicle that was later discovered burnt out in an isolated car park. Catherine Seguin, the prefect of Isere, denounced the violent act, emphasizing the danger it posed to motorists. Investigations into this organized crime are underway, with a focus on drug trafficking as a potential motive. Maldera, part of the Franco-Italian mafia group that operated in the region in the 1980s, was one of the key figures involved in criminal activities along with his brother Robert. The “Maldera clan” was dismantled in the 1980s, and both brothers were previously jailed but released due to a legal technicality. The incident is part of a recent surge in drug-related murders in France, with authorities cracking down on criminal networks involved in illicit activities.
After a months-long search, France’s strict interior minister, Bruno Retailleau, has issued multiple warnings that the country is on the brink of a crisis in its battle against drug-related violence. In the meantime, Gerald Darmanin, the justice minister, has proposed establishing a dedicated prison to separate drug kingpins and prevent them from operating their criminal enterprises while incarcerated. Expand your perspective with acclaimed British journalism. Experience The Telegraph for free for one month and enjoy unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, special offers, and more.
