Hakan Ayik, Australia’s most wanted man, has been arrested in Turkey.
Ayik, a former member of the Sydney Comanchero bikie gang, has been wanted by Australian authorities since leaving the country in 2010.
The arrest of Ayik and other prominent Australian figures, including Baris Tukel, Erkan Dogan, and Sibel Arif, was detailed in an article on the Turkish news site SonDakika.com.
Heavily armed police were involved in the arrest, and a large amount of cash was allegedly seized.
A Turkish website reported that a total of 37 people had been arrested.
Hakan Ayik, Australia’s most wanted man, has been arrested in Turkey. via REUTERS
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that approximately $250 million ($161 million USD) in assets were seized during the raid.
“The leaders of the group, together with managers and members of organizations of Turkish citizens, as well as members of organizations of foreign countries, came to our country and continued their criminal activities, and tried to send the drugs they obtained from South America to Australia, the Netherlands and Hong Kong via South Korea and Africa South, and implement it on a global scale,” his statement read.
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“It has been determined that they are trying to launder the income they get from crime in our country.”
Ayik is wanted on an Interpol red notice by authorities in Australia and the United States.
Ayik, known as “Big Hux” or “Facebook Gangster,” is alleged to have been a major drug importer while living in exile in Turkey and has undergone plastic surgery to alter his appearance.
The arrest by Turkish authorities is considered one of the most important in the history of the country’s underworld.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) recognized the Turkish National Police for their efforts in targeting serious transnational organized criminals.
Despite the notable arrests, it is unlikely that Ayik, whose fortune is estimated at around $800 million ($515 million USD), will be extradited to Australia because of his Turkish citizenship.
“Turkey is a regional leader in the global fight against serious transnational organized crime,” the AFP statement said.
“The AFP is stationed in Turkey and has witnessed the determination of the Turkish National Police in harassing, arresting and prosecuting alleged organized crime figures.
“The AFP, through its international command, continues to work with its international partners to combat serious transnational organized crime.
“The AFP has provided support to the Turkish National Police through Operation Gain and the AFP Post in Ankara.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
