Eski regularly participates in interviews for both Dutch and international media. His research on organized crime and drug trafficking makes him a sought-after expert for journalists. “I find it important to translate scientific knowledge for the wider public, which is why I often cooperate with these kinds of requests.” At the same time, he notices that news media frequently use the clickable term ‘Mocromaffia,’ which he considers problematic and misleading. Therefore, he is always alert to how his words are framed and how the media employ certain terms.
What is your criticism of the term ‘Mocromaffia’?
"This is an example of what we call the ‘ethnicity trap’ in criminology: the tendency to attribute crime to a specific ethnic group, while in reality, it is a much broader issue. Criminal organizations are rarely homogeneous; they collaborate across borders and ethnic backgrounds. Yet, in the Netherlands and Belgium, the focus is strikingly often placed on Moroccan-Dutch youth allegedly involved in the ‘Mocromaffia'."
The term “Mocromaffia” leads to unjust stigmatization of an entire community because the vast majority of Moroccan-Dutch people have nothing to do with crime. However, due to the use of such terms, they are frequently associated with organized crime by the media and politicians, leading to discrimination and societal polarization. Additionally, this term creates a narrow focus in crime prevention. By framing organized crime primarily as a “Moroccan” problem, other key players in the drug industry—such as the Italian ‘Ndrangheta, Turkish and Albanian networks, and white Dutch individuals in logistics—remain out of view. Lastly, the media play a major role in reinforcing stereotypes. Sensationalist journalism creates the image of a well-organized, ethnically homogeneous gang, while reality is much more complex. This leads to misunderstandings among both the public and policymakers."
After a recent experience, you decided to turn to the Spanish Press Council, an institution that oversees ethical and accurate reporting in the media. Why?
"To my surprise, I saw myself in the segment with the statement: “They are just the tip of the iceberg.” In the context of the report, it now seemed as if I acknowledged and legitimized the term “Mocromaffia,” while I had actually argued the exact opposite. My critical analysis was completely left out. After the journalist refused to adjust the segment, I decided to report my experience to the Spanish Press Council. This complaint represents something bigger to me."
And what is that?
"Scientific knowledge must be handled with integrity. If our words are taken out of context or misused, it fundamentally affects our field. Science must be represented carefully and accurately; otherwise, we lose public trust and contribute to misconceptions. It is important for scientists to receive support in their media appearances and be aware of the risks. The media play a crucial role in spreading knowledge, but they also bear responsibility in this regard. Hopefully, this will spark a broader conversation about the responsibility of the media in accurately portraying scientific insights."