Is it a failure, despite the huge resources invested, or a question of time, in the face of increasingly structured drug traffickers? Six months after Mohamed Amra’s escape, which cost the lives of two prison officers, the police and the justice system are still following him carefully, but without success.
When we ask those familiar with these dossiers, the 94 days of recidivist robber Rédoine Faïd’s 94 days on the run in 2018 after his escape from prison are continually mentioned.
With Mohamed Amra the counter increases: on Thursday 184 days will have passed since the bloody attack at the Incarville (Eure) toll booth during which this repeat offender involved in drug trafficking fled accompanied by accomplices.
This tragedy cost the lives of two prison officers and caused a national shock.
Since that day, investigators and magistrates of the National Jurisdiction for the fight against organized crime (Junalco) of the Paris court have constantly assured their commitment.
The Paris prosecutor’s office specified that “it is clear that the teams are fully mobilized and that the disclosure of any element could, for the moment, only endanger the investigations”. But the Prosecutor’s Office “has no new elements to communicate”.
Informed observers of these controversies, several specialized lawyers are surprised by a “failure” at this stage of this hunt, especially after the initially encouraging comments from the authorities.
For a specialized magistrate, “even if we arrested Amra, it would still be a failure.” “We should have had it within a month. I hope it’s abroad, otherwise we’re in really bad shape.”
“It’s an affront,” adds another specialized magistrate.
A police source believes that “it’s not because you didn’t squeeze a guy quickly that he’s a failure. There are many cases where it took time.” “We must let the investigation take place,” he pleads.
For the first specialized magistrate mentioned, “we always end up catching the fleeing criminals, but it takes more and more time” from now on.
– “Remarkable work” –
Another police source believes that investigators have “placed ‘bells’ everywhere. Now they are waiting for it to work and for Amra to make a mistake. Over time, the routine, she will make one.”
The second specialized magistrate evokes the investment of organized crime “in documentary fraud” which allows it to “cross the world” with “perfectly false documents”.
The delay also increases the belief of some, present since the escape, that Amra did not escape but was kidnapped, for example “by subcontractors”, as the first magistrate suggests or as other “stupeux” (drug traffickers) imagine with them lawyer contacted by AFP. But ultimately “they know nothing about it”, adds the latter.
In the meantime, what lessons can we learn today? An observer of these subjects underlines the flaws of the prison intelligence, “obsessed with the ‘bearded'” but which “does not know how to manage the ’crim’org’ profiles+ (organised crime, ed.)”.
In mid-August, a report from the General Inspectorate of Justice highlighted a “deficit” in communication between various judicial and penitentiary authorities and investigators.
The first specialized magistrate is concerned about the absence of “traces of powder” or “weapons” after months or years of tracing: it is therefore more complicated to obtain a “life sentence” if formal proof “that so-and-so is was in fact a member of the commando or was one of those who shot” was not brought to the hearing.
Mary Garcia, wife of Arnaud, one of the two dead prison officers, wants to maintain “faith” in justice.
“Mary Garcia told me that on certain days she lost hope,” suffering in particular from having “no news” of the investigation six months later, her lawyer, Pauline Ragot, told AFP. “But we also know that the judicial system and the police are mobilizing all their efforts. We have confidence,” the council assured.
What are the key challenges law enforcement faces in tracking down fugitives like Mohamed Amra?
Interview with an Expert on Organized Crime: The Ongoing Manhunt for Mohamed Amra
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome, and thank you for joining us today to discuss the complex issue surrounding the ongoing pursuit of Mohamed Amra. They say time is of the essence when it comes to resolving cases like these. What do you make of the current situation six months after his escape?
Expert: Thank you for having me. The situation is indeed troubling. As you mentioned, six months have passed, and while authorities remain dedicated to locating Amra, the lack of tangible progress raises questions about the effectiveness of our current methods in dealing with organized crime.
Interviewer: This case draws parallels to Rédoine Faïd’s escape in 2018, which lasted 94 days. How do these two scenarios compare in your view?
Expert: Faïd’s escape was significant because it served as a wake-up call for the authorities about the ingenuity and resourcefulness of organized crime. Fast forward to Amra’s case, and we’re seeing a similar pattern where the escape is not just about the individual but indicative of larger systemic issues within our law enforcement and prison intelligence systems.
Interviewer: Speaking of systemic issues, some experts have called this situation a “failure.” What do you think they base this judgement on?
Expert: The term “failure” probably stems from the unexpected length of time it is taking to apprehend Amra. In high-stakes cases like these, there’s an expectation that law enforcement should quickly capture individuals who pose a significant threat, especially after an incident that resulted in loss of life, as with the two prison officers. The feeling is that more could have been done sooner.
Interviewer: Yet, one police source suggests that it’s not necessarily a failure but rather a strategy that takes time. What’s your take on this perspective?
Expert: That perspective is valid, especially when considering the complexities involved in these operations. Drug trafficking networks are highly structured and often have resources that can make them difficult to track. My belief is that investigations need to be thorough, and it’s essential for law enforcement to avoid rushing, which could jeopardize the entire operation.
Interviewer: There are speculations regarding Amra’s possible whereabouts or even whether he was kidnapped. How does organized crime manage to evade capture with such efficiency?
Expert: Organized crime is increasingly adept at using sophisticated methods, including documentary fraud, to move across borders with altered identities. This complicates the manhunt significantly. With the possibility that someone like Amra has outside help—with logistics and passage—it turns the manhunt into a race against time rather than a straightforward police operation.
Interviewer: You mentioned the shortcomings in prison intelligence. What do you believe are the critical flaws that need addressing?
Expert: The focus tends to be heavily on radical elements while often neglecting organized crime. There needs to be a shift to adequately manage profiles associated with organized crime. This includes understanding their networks, their financial structures, and how they operate both inside and outside prison confines.
Interviewer: Given the dedication of the teams working on this case, is there any hope that Amra will be brought to justice soon?
Expert: History shows us that most fleeing criminals are eventually captured, yet the timeline is becoming increasingly fluid. As investigations progress, it’s vital for the public and the authorities to remain patient and vigilant. Every minute wasted can have significant implications, but a cautious, calculated approach is ultimately in everyone’s best interest.
Interviewer: Thank you for your insights. As this situation unfolds, it’s certainly a reminder of the continuous evolving landscape of organized crime and the challenges that law enforcement faces in tackling it.
Expert: Thank you for having this important discussion on a critical issue. It underscores the need for a multidimensional approach to effectively combat organized crime in our society.