One of Sweden's most notorious gang leaders, Ismail Abdo, also known as "The Strawberry," has been apprehended in Turkey, announced the Swedish prosecutor's office. This 35-year-old dual citizen of Sweden and Turkey has a bold background with numerous drug-related crimes linked to him, making him one of the most wanted figures in Sweden.
His notoriety stems from leading the Rumba crime gang, and he had been operating illegal activities from abroad since an Interpol red notice against him was issued last year. In a significant operation, Turkish police also arrested 18 others and seized over a tonne of drugs during raids, although the exact locations are undisclosed.
A substantial amount of assets, valued at approximately 1.5 billion Turkish lira, was confiscated, including vehicles and properties. This comes in a backdrop of escalating gang violence in Sweden, particularly with rival gangs taking deadly actions against each other. The situation intensified after the tragic murder of Abdo's mother, which shook the community and prompted the Swedish government to involve military support in addressing the crisis.
Despite a previous traffic stop arrest in 2024 leading to his release, Swedish authorities eagerly await his extradition, though complications may arise due to his Turkish citizenship. This arrest is seen as a win for Sweden's security as the country battles rampant gang activities affecting thousands of citizens. With an estimated 14,000 individuals entangled in criminal gangs, the quest to restore safety and order continues.
