The Serbian suspect arrested in Dubai after an Interpol notice. DUBAI POLICE

Dubai Police have arrested the leader of one of Europe’s most notorious organised crime clans, marking a major breakthrough in an international police operation targeting a violent Balkan gang. The suspect was identified as Marko Đorđević, head of the Serbian Vračarci clan, also known as the Witchcrafters. He was captured in Dubai under Operation Haris, carried out in coordination with Europol, the Serbian Ministry of Interior, and the Spanish National Police. Authorities said the arrest was made after Dubai Police received an Interpol notice through the Ministry of Interior. The operation was conducted “in full coordination with the Dubai Public Prosecution and in line with all approved legal procedures,” Dubai Police said. Serbian authorities have been investigating years-long violent conflicts between the Kavač and Škaljari clans—rival criminal groups whose feud since 2014 has led to around 60 murders, arson cases, and bombings across several countries. During the investigation of a murder committed in central Belgrade on October 16, 2025, Serbian police identified Đorđević as the mastermind. He had allegedly been living in Dubai while directing gang operations. Dubai Police launched international cooperation procedures immediately after receiving the intelligence, leading to his arrest. Officials described the capture as “a crucial step in dismantling the gang’s leadership structure.” Operation Haris The operation, named “Haris” to symbolize the high level of coordination between participating agencies, targeted gang networks in Serbia, Spain, and the UAE. The operation was carried out under the name “Haris”, chosen to reflect the high level of collaboration among participating agencies. Serbia carried out 22 raids across Belgrade and Šabac, arresting ten members of the gang and seizing encrypted phones, luxury vehicles, watches, and nearly €300,000 in cash. In Spain, two suspects were arrested in Valencia and Barcelona with support from the Spanish National Police. In Dubai, the arrest of Dordevic marked a crucial breakthrough in dismantling the leadership structure of the Witchcrafters clan. The UAE also prepared the required evidence to support international judicial cooperation procedures. Officials noted that security cooperation between Dubai Police and Spanish authorities has significantly strengthened in recent years. Through information exchanges across 26 cases, the partnership has led to the tracking of cross-border criminal networks and the arrest of 29 individuals wanted by Spain, as well as four successful handover operations. ICA/Expat Media
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