Turkey Extradites Crime Syndicate Leader From Greece

Turkey has extradited Sercan Sayal, the leader of a new-generation organized crime syndicate, from Greece. Sayal was arrested in Greece and returned to Turkey under the coordination of the General Directorate of Security, Interpol-Europol, the Izmir Police Department, and the Ministry of Justice.

Sayal faces 116 separate criminal charges, including premeditated murder, intentional killing, establishing a criminal organization, qualified arson, and armed robbery by multiple persons. He is accused of organizing 90 shootings, three woundings, one intentional killing, and 164 threats in Izmir.

“Wherever you flee, the place where you will give account will definitely not change.”

After extradition procedures, Sayal was flown to Istanbul Airport on a Turkish Airlines scheduled flight. Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi announced the extradition on social media, emphasizing that the fight against organized crime continues with determination.

Çiftçi stated that fugitives will be held accountable wherever they hide, and that no corner of the world is a safe haven for those who threaten the lives, property, and peace of the Turkish people. He said Turkey will pursue crime syndicates beyond its borders.

The minister said Turkey has brought back 805 fugitives from 45 countries since the beginning of the year, 189 of whom were gang leaders or members. Authorities also carried out 1,951 operations against 669 organized crime groups this year.

Çiftçi set a target of returning one thousand fugitives wanted abroad with red notices this year and said the goal will be reached. He vowed to continue the fight against crime and criminals with unwavering state resolve.