Swedish Gang Leader Ismail Abdo Arrested in Turkey Amid Intensifying Crime Wave

Ismail Abdo, a dual Swedish-Turkish national and leader of Sweden's Rumba crime gang, has been arrested in Turkey. The arrest was part of a larger crackdown on drug trafficking, as authorities seized substantial assets and drugs while addressing Sweden's rising gang violence.

One of Sweden's most wanted criminal figures, Ismail Abdo, has been apprehended in Turkey, according to an announcement from the Swedish prosecutor's office this Friday. Abdo, a 35-year-old dual national of Sweden and Turkey, has faced a multitude of drug-related charges and became a target of an Interpol red notice last year. Referred to as "The Strawberry," he commands considerable influence as the leader of the Rumba crime gang, notorious for orchestrating illicit operations remotely.

While the Swedish police have not disclosed his identity, they confirmed the detention of an individual believed to be involved in significant drug trafficking and inciting violent crimes over an extended period. His arrest was part of a larger operation in Turkey that saw the apprehension of 19 individuals and the seizure of over a tonne of drugs, though the exact locations of these operations remain undisclosed.

In addition to capturing Abdo, Turkish authorities reported the confiscation of assets amounting to 1.5 billion Turkish lira (approximately $38 million), which included various vehicles, bank accounts, and 51 properties. An arrest warrant was also issued for 21 additional suspects, with 14 believed to be outside Turkey and three already in custody for other charges, while four remain unaccounted for.

Sweden's growing gang-related violence has drawn significant attention, particularly between rival gangs led by Abdo and his former ally, Rawa Majida, head of the Foxtrot gang. This turf war has resulted in numerous fatalities, escalating in intensity following the tragic murder of Abdo's mother in Uppsala earlier this year.

Swedish authorities previously criticized Turkey after Abdo was briefly detained in 2024 during a routine traffic stop, only to be released on bail despite the pending Interpol notice—a development that complicated Sweden's efforts for his extradition. As gang violence increasingly permeates Sweden's larger cities, as well as previously tranquil suburbs, it has tarnished the country’s image as a bastion of safety.

The capture of Abdo comes as a point of victory for Sweden’s right-leaning governing coalition, which pledged to address the country's crime crisis upon taking office in 2022. However, his status as a Turkish citizen may complicate the potential extradition process. Reports indicate that around 14,000 people in Sweden are currently engaged in criminal gangs, with another 48,000 having connections to them, marking a significant social issue for the nation.