Taghi denies using newly arrested lawyer to pass messages from high-security prison

Ridouan Taghi, the notorious crime boss, has denied allegations that he used his lawyer, Vito Shukrula, to communicate messages from the high-security Vught Penitentiary Institution (EBI) to members of his criminal network, as reported by De Telegraaf. The accusations come as Shukrula, 36, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of participating in Taghi’s criminal activities by facilitating these communications.

Taghi, who has been held at EBI Vught, refuted the claims through his current lawyer, Sjoerd van Berge Henegouwen. According to van Berge Henegouwen, Taghi believes the arrest of his defense attorney was strategically timed to disrupt his defense team in the ongoing Marengo trial.

Shukrula was detained after a meeting with Taghi at EBI, where the two discussed various aspects of the Marengo trial. The Public Prosecution Service (OM) confirmed that the arrest stemmed from an investigation that began in December 2024, based on information from the AIVD, the Dutch intelligence service. The AIVD allegedly uncovered evidence that Shukrula had been passing messages from Taghi to members of his criminal organization.

Following his arrest, Shukrula was remanded into custody and is currently subject to strict restrictions, including limited contact only with his own lawyer. His arraignment is scheduled for Friday.

Taghi, through his legal representative, expressed concern that the timing of Shukrula's arrest coincides with a pivotal moment in the Marengo trial, where an intelligence agent is reportedly set to reveal sensitive information. According to Taghi’s team, the arrest was intended to undermine the defense team’s ability to challenge evidence and continue the legal battle in his defense.

Shukrula’s arrest is the latest development in a broader investigation into Taghi’s legal representation. Another of Taghi’s former lawyers, Inez Weski, is currently facing charges for similar accusations of passing messages between Taghi and his criminal network. Her case is ongoing, and a preliminary hearing was held Thursday, though Weski did not attend. Her legal team has argued that her arrest in April 2023 was unlawful, citing violations of her rights during her detention.

Weski's lawyers also raised concerns about the conditions of her imprisonment, claiming she was isolated in a secret facility under harsh conditions. She was reportedly denied medical care, leading to serious health issues. After her release, she underwent emergency heart surgery.