In a striking development, Ismail Abdo, one of Sweden's most wanted criminal figures, has been apprehended in Turkey. Known as "The Strawberry," this dual Swedish-Turkish national, aged 35, is the notorious leader of the Rumba crime gang. His extensive history of drug-related offenses led to an Interpol red notice issued against him last year.
Swedish authorities confirmed the arrest, highlighting Abdo's alleged involvement in serious drug trafficking and violence in Sweden. Turkish police conducted the arrest during traffic stops, leading to a larger operation that saw 19 suspects detained and an impressive cache of over a tonne of illegal drugs confiscated. They also seized assets totaling around 1.5 billion Turkish lira, including cars, bank accounts, and properties.
Abdo had been previously released on bail despite the active red notice, raising concerns about international law enforcement collaboration. His capture comes amid a surge in gang violence in Sweden, fueled by turf wars with rival gangs. The unrest has prompted the Swedish government to involve military assistance to tackle the escalating crime wave, which has left many casualties.
With roughly 14,000 individuals believed to be part of criminal gangs in Sweden, Abdo's arrest is viewed as a win for the centre-right government that promised to restore safety in 2022. Nevertheless, the dual nationality of Abdo might complicate extradition processes as they seek to bring him back to face justice in Sweden.
Swedish authorities confirmed the arrest, highlighting Abdo's alleged involvement in serious drug trafficking and violence in Sweden. Turkish police conducted the arrest during traffic stops, leading to a larger operation that saw 19 suspects detained and an impressive cache of over a tonne of illegal drugs confiscated. They also seized assets totaling around 1.5 billion Turkish lira, including cars, bank accounts, and properties.
Abdo had been previously released on bail despite the active red notice, raising concerns about international law enforcement collaboration. His capture comes amid a surge in gang violence in Sweden, fueled by turf wars with rival gangs. The unrest has prompted the Swedish government to involve military assistance to tackle the escalating crime wave, which has left many casualties.
With roughly 14,000 individuals believed to be part of criminal gangs in Sweden, Abdo's arrest is viewed as a win for the centre-right government that promised to restore safety in 2022. Nevertheless, the dual nationality of Abdo might complicate extradition processes as they seek to bring him back to face justice in Sweden.
