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Hakan Ayik, one of Australia’s most wanted men, has been arrested in Istanbul along with other leaders and associates of the Australian Comanchero bikie group for allegedly running a global drug trafficking syndicate, Turkish officials claim.
Ayik, who is wanted by NSW Police for “supply of large commercial quantities of drugs”, and Duax Hohepa Ngakuru were among 37 suspects “caught” by police, a statement from Turkish Minister of International Affairs Hakan Fidan confirmed.
Turkish Police reportedly seized 4.5 billion Turkish Iira ($246.7 million) worth of assets including “bank accounts, real estate, vehicles and partnership shares of 22 companies” from 55 people.
“Thirty-seven suspects who participated in and aided laundering activities were caught,” Fidan said.
He said the alleged gang leaders, as well as Turkish citizens and other foreign members, were attempting to “deliver the drugs they procured from South America to Australia”.
He alleged the drugs were also being transported to the Netherlands and Hong Kong via South Korea and South Africa on a “global scale”.
“It has been determined that they are trying to launder the income they obtained from crimes in our country,” the international affairs minister said.
“We will not forgive organised criminal organisations and poison merchants.
“We will dismantle organised criminal organisations of any size and bring them to justice.”
The Australian Federal Police said it was aware of reports of Ayik’s arrest, adding it had supported Turkish police.
“The AFP is aware of reporting from Turkey,” a spokesperson said.
“The AFP acknowledges the Turkish National Police for undertaking one of the most significant operations targeting alleged transnational serious organised criminals, some of whom are accused of illicit drug trafficking to Australia and around the world.
“Turkey is a regional leader in the global fight against transnational serious organised crime.
“The AFP is posted in Türkiye and has witnessed the Turkish National Police’s determination in disrupting, arresting and charging alleged organised crime figures.
The AFP has provided support to the Turkish National Police through Operation Gain and the AFP’s post in Ankara.”
