In a significant breakthrough, Ismail Abdo, one of Sweden's most wanted gang leaders, has been arrested in Turkey, according to the Swedish prosecutor's office. Abdo, a dual Swedish-Turkish national, faces an array of drug-related charges as listed by Interpol, which issued a red notice for his capture last year. Known as "The Strawberry," the 35-year-old is recognized as a prominent leader of the Rumba crime gang and has been accused of conducting illegal operations from abroad.
While Swedish police did not disclose his identity, they have confirmed the detention of a suspect tied to serious drug trafficking and violent crimes. The arrest occurred during a coordinated raid that resulted in the capture of 19 individuals and the seizure of over a tonne of drugs, as reported by Turkey's state broadcaster TRT. The locations of these operations have not been made public.
Authorities in Turkey also issued warrants for an additional 21 suspects, with 14 believed to be outside the country and three already facing other charges. Four individuals remain unaccounted for. Financially, the Turkish police are reported to have confiscated assets amounting to around 1.5 billion Turkish lira (approximately £27.8 million or $38 million), which included 20 vehicles, bank accounts, and 51 properties.
Gang violence in Sweden has surged in recent years, partly attributed to Abdo's rivalry with Rawa Majida, leader of the Foxtrot gang. The situation escalated further in 2023 when Abdo's mother was murdered in Uppsala, igniting fears over public safety and prompting the Swedish government to engage military support to combat gang violence.
Back in 2024, Turkish authorities had previously detained Abdo during a traffic stop but later released him on bail, a decision that drew ire from Swedish officials seeking his extradition. This incident has intensified concerns over the rising gang-related violence that has tarnished Sweden's international image as a safe haven.
The current centre-right government in Sweden, which was elected with a promise to combat gang crime, may view Abdo's arrest as a significant success. However, his status as a Turkish citizen could complicate potential extradition efforts. According to a police report from last year, approximately 14,000 individuals in Sweden are entwined with criminal gangs, with 48,000 more believed to have connections to them.