André Cermolacce, one of Marseille's most notorious gangsters, was shot and killed on February 4, 2025, around noon, in the city's 14th arrondissement. Known as "Gros Dédé" or "Sacoche," the 70-year-old was targeted by an assailant who fired three shots to his head using an automatic pistol outside his beverage supply company. The shooter, reportedly hooded, escaped on a scooter, leaving behind shock and speculation.
The assassination has surprised many, including former police officer Gilles Tachon, who remarked, "It's crazy this happened so late on." Cermolacce's death marks yet another grim chapter in the violent history of Marseille’s criminal underworld.
Cermolacce was no stranger to the law, having faced numerous convictions over the decades. His criminal career spanned several illicit activities, including his involvement with illegal slot machines, distilling sports gambling, and more serious charges like extortion. Perhaps the most notable was his 2016 conviction related to a network of Bingo-style slot machines across various bars, where profits were split 70% for the network and 30% for the bar owners. During the trial, Cermolacce was described as having lived extravagantly, buying 21 high-end vehicles and renting luxurious villas.
The gangster's life was notable not only for his criminal endeavors but also for his resilience after narrowly escaping assassination attempts. One such attempt occurred over 20 years ago, where he was shot at by two motorcyclists but escaped unharmed. Back then, rather than seek police intervention, he chose to sit tight, illustrating his disdain for authority and reputation as someone who moved within the shadows of the law.
Following the assassination, police launched an investigation and quickly initiated searches for evidence at the crime scene. Officers are considering several motives behind Cermolacce's murder. Reports suggest he could have become entangled with younger, rising criminals eager to assert their dominance over the older generation of gangsters.
Citing sources from across various news outlets, the focus has turned to the DZ Mafia, which is believed to be behind the strike against Cermolacce. This organization had reportedly been shifting alliances and turf, raising concerns within police circles about gang conflict as the some members are known to have had disputes with Cermolacce’s associates.
Interviewed about this tragic event, Tachon characterized Cermolacce as "a bandit à l'ancienne" who operated by his own rules, noting, “He respected children and refrained from violence against police during arrests as he understood they were also family men.” Such statements paint the picture of Cermolacce's complex persona — one who navigated the treacherous waters of organized crime with certain principles, albeit warped.
Having survived various scandals, shifts, and brushes with fate, Cermolacce's life came abruptly to its end, but he leaves behind tales of his escapades within the dubious society of Marseille's notorious banditry. Investigators will likely dig deep not just to unravel the circumstances of the assassination but also to understand the territorial shifts and power struggles within the criminal milieu.
The event has highlighted the persistent violence plaguing the city, raising discussions surrounding organized crime and the continued plight of those who navigate this perilous underbelly.