One of Australia’s most wanted individuals, Hakan Ayik, was detained in Istanbul together with other leaders and members of the Australian Comanchero biker group on suspicion of being the head of a worldwide drug trafficking organization, according to Turkish officials.
A statement from Turkish Minister of International Affairs Hakan Fidan confirmed that Ayik, who is wanted by NSW Police for “supply of large commercial quantities of drugs,” and Duax Hohepa Ngakuru were among the 37 individuals “caught” by police.
55 people were allegedly found in possession of assets valued at 4.5 billion Turkish Iira ($246.7 million), including “bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, and partnership shares of 22 companies.”
“Thirty-seven suspects who participated in and aided laundering activities were caught,” Fidan stated.
He claimed that the supposed gang bosses were trying to “deliver the drugs they procured from South America to Australia,” together with other foreigners and Turkish nationals.
He said that the narcotics were also being shipped on a “global scale” via South Korea and South Africa to the Netherlands and Hong Kong.
The minister of international affairs declared, “It has been determined that they are attempting to launder the income they obtained from crimes in our country.”
“We will not forgive organised criminal organisations and poison merchants.”Any large organized crime group will be dismantled and brought to justice by us.”
The Australian Federal authorities stated that it had assisted Turkish authorities and that it was aware of reports regarding Ayik’s arrest.
A representative added, “The AFP is aware of reporting from Turkey.”
The Turkish National Police is credited by the AFP with carrying out one of the biggest operations against suspected transnational severe organized criminals, some of them are suspected of smuggling illegal drugs into Australia and other countries.
“In the global battle against transnational serious organized crime, Turkey is a regional leader.”
“The AFP is stationed in Turkey and has observed the Turkish National Police’s resolute efforts to obstruct, apprehend, and prosecute suspected members of organized crime.”
The AFP’s position in Ankara and Operation Gain have allowed it to reinforce the Turkish National Police.”
