A disturbing case is unfolding in the Swiss canton of St. Gallen, where the family of lawyers Ghaemmaghami allege they’ve been targeted by the Abou-Chaker clan, a group with reported ties to organized crime in Berlin, Germany. The incident, which occurred in early February, involved masked individuals armed with baseball bats and pepper spray, raising serious questions about security and the reach of international criminal networks. This Saint-Gall case highlights a growing concern about the influence of these groups beyond Germany’s borders.
Incident in Walenstadt: A Targeted Threat
According to reports, on February 8th and 9th, several suspicious individuals were observed loitering around the Ghaemmaghami family’s home and law office in Walenstadt, St. Gallen. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the individuals wearing masks and latex gloves, with one brandishing a baseball bat. The family believes this was a deliberate intimidation tactic.
Local police responded quickly on the morning of February 9th, intercepting a BMW 730d registered in Zurich. Inside the vehicle were three men and an array of potentially dangerous items: a balaclava, pepper spray, a baseball bat, and over 5,000 euros in cash. The men were taken into custody, and an investigation was launched.
Conflicting Accounts and a Swift Release
During questioning, the suspects offered conflicting and, at times, bizarre explanations for their presence and the items they possessed. Two passengers claimed they were simply there to “admire the sunrise.” The driver, identified as Ahmed A.*, stated he was searching for the “assassins of his two cousins.” Regarding the weapons and cash, the men offered explanations ranging from the bat being a “gift from an unknown person” to the cagoule being for sledding – despite admitting he doesn’t ski – and the money being to cover Switzerland’s high cost of living.
Despite these questionable accounts and the suspects’ backgrounds – one reportedly linked to organized crime and another with a history of violent offenses – Swiss authorities released the three men after just 48 hours. The public prosecutor’s office closed the case with a simple fine, without launching a broader investigation into who might have ordered the intimidation.
The Abou-Chaker Clan Connection
Paya Ghaemmaghami, a member of the targeted family, expressed outrage at the swift release and perceived lack of thorough investigation. She pointed to a potential connection to the Abou-Chaker clan, noting that a cousin of Ahmed A.* was a prominent figure within the Berlin-based group. The Abou-Chaker clan has been linked to numerous police raids and high-profile legal cases in Germany.
The Ghaemmaghamis believe the incident was intended to disrupt their attendance at an upcoming court hearing. They argue the evidence – masked individuals armed with weapons – suggests a deliberate attempt to intimidate, not simply a casual outing.
A Case Linked to a Previous Dispute
The family’s suspicions stem from a long-standing legal case they’ve been handling. For several years, they have represented a client who was allegedly defrauded by a car dealership. They successfully secured millions of euros in damages for their client, a victory that reportedly angered the dealership owner. The Ghaemmaghamis claim the dealership owner boasted about connections to motorcycle gangs and “large Berlin families,” and their client had previously been threatened in 2019.
A trial against the car dealership was scheduled to begin in February, leading the family to believe the recent intimidation was directly related to this case. They allege that the previous lack of action by authorities allowed the alleged perpetrator to disappear.
Authorities Remain Cautious
When contacted by Blick, Swiss authorities cited procedural reasons for their handling of the case. They stated that the investigation had yielded sufficient evidence to issue arrest warrants, but the conditions for continued detention were no longer met. The St. Gallen public prosecutor’s office declined to provide further comment, citing the ongoing investigation. The NZZ newspaper also reported on the case Thursday.
The Ghaemmaghamis remain critical of the authorities’ response, suggesting a lack of motivation to fully investigate the matter. They claim that an appeal against the initial sanctions was accepted, and further investigations were ordered, but too late to be effective.
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The situation in Walenstadt raises concerns about the potential for organized crime groups, like the Abou-Chaker clan, to extend their reach beyond Germany. The Ghaemmaghami family’s case serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who challenge powerful and potentially dangerous individuals. The investigation remains ongoing, and further developments are expected as authorities continue to examine the connections between the suspects and the alleged threat from the Abou-Chaker clan.
