Defendant Maintains Accusations Against Alleged Drug Lords in Kessaci Murder Trial
Zakaria Bensaci identifies a shooter and a mastermind in the 2020 triple homicide.
1Testimony Breaks Silence
On November 4, 2026, defendant Zakaria Bensaci reaffirmed his explosive testimony before the Aix-en-Provence assize court. Facing charges related to a 2020 triple homicide, the 31-year-old identified specific co-defendants as the primary perpetrators. This rare public break from the criminal code of silence has reportedly led to verbal threats against him in prison.
2The Triple Homicide Details
The case concerns the December 28, 2020, murders of Reda, Nassim, and Brahim, the brother of activist Amine Kessaci. The victims were lured into a trap in Châteauneuf-les-Martigues before being executed and burned inside vehicles. Bensaci claims he was initially misled into believing the operation was merely a vehicle theft for friends.
3Identifying the Alleged Shooter
Bensaci explicitly named Amine Oualane as the sole shooter responsible for killing all three victims. According to his account, Oualane opened fire after the victims were lured to the scene. Despite Oualane’s denial of any involvement, investigators report that DNA evidence and intercepted communications link him to the crime scene and the violent act.
4The Mastermind Allegations
The testimony further implicated Karim Harrat as the mastermind behind the execution. Bensaci alleged that Oualane discussed a 200,000 euro payment and mentioned Harrat, who is reportedly based in Dubai, as the orchestrator. These claims target high-ranking figures within the DZ Mafia, though both men continue to deny any role in the killings.
5Additional Co-defendants' Roles
Bensaci also detailed the specific roles of other individuals involved in the aftermath and preparation. He stated that Malik Kariba was responsible for dismembering Nassim’s body, while Nadjim Mbae allegedly provided a startup box used to steal a vehicle. These defendants have not refuted their specific roles in the logistical aspects of the crime.
6Judicial Caution on Testimony
The presiding judge at the assize court issued a formal warning regarding the weight of these statements. He emphasized that while the court has heard Bensaci’s version of events, it remains unverified information rather than objective truth. The court must now weigh these accusations against existing forensic evidence and the defendants' total denials.
7Context of Drug Violence
This trial highlights the ongoing struggle against organized drug trafficking networks in France. The brutal nature of the 2020 murders, involving the burning of victims, underscores the extreme violence associated with these criminal groups. The proceedings serve as a critical test for the judicial system's ability to prosecute high-level figures in the underworld.
8Significance of the Trial
The trial is a significant development in French criminal justice, as it involves high-profile figures linked to the DZ Mafia. By challenging the omerta, or code of silence, Bensaci’s testimony could potentially alter the trajectory of the case. The outcome will likely influence future strategies for prosecuting complex, multi-defendant organized crime networks.