More than 30 victims of a Syrian youth gang, known as “505,” have been recorded n the cities of Graz and Vienna.
The suspects range in age from 17 to 20, with police reporting they dealt a “severe blow” to the group with mass arrests.
“I’ve never experienced a dimension (of crime) of this magnitude before, and I’ve been in this business for 20 years,” said police spokesman Fritz Grundnig.
The organized gang is accused of a long series of extremely violent assaults between November 2024 and June 2025, mostly in Graz. Styrian police have released details to the national media about the group, including their involvement in the narcotics trade.
“A total of over 20 crimes have been reported, with over 30 victims injured and assaulted by this gang,” said Grundnig.
“The men are suspected of having intentionally committed grievous bodily harm, aggravated assault, robberies, dangerous threats, and coercion in Graz since the end of 2024, with varying degrees of involvement, and of having joined forces in a criminal organization,” an additional press release reads. The investigation revealed that the “505” group used blunt and stabbing weapons. Among the victims were minors, according to media outlet Die Presse.
Despite the gang being focused in Graz, a number of arrests were made in Vienna as well.
Many victims faced extreme violence.
“For example, in June, the group stabbed another man at Griesplatz. He suffered a stab wound in the thigh,” Grundnig reported.
The police spokesperson also said that the gang is involved in the narcotics trade.
“During the house searches, which were of course carried out as part of this operation, a considerable quantity of drugs was found,” he stated.
The gang apparently named itself after another Arab clan gang, which participated in brutal clashes between Chechens, Turks, and Syrians, who gathered under the name 505 or 505/515, in Vienna in 2024.
Those clashes saw gun battles, multiple stabbings, and routine violence.
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