Gang Leader Ismail Abdo Arrested in Turkey Amidst Major Criminal Investigation

Gang leader Ismail Abdo is currently detained in Turkey and is suspected of several serious crimes in Sweden.

Since the escalation of the Foxtrot conflict in 2023, 34-year-old Ismail “Jordgubben” Abdo has been one of Sweden's most wanted criminals.

Last Friday, he was arrested in a dawn raid in Adana, Turkey, along with 18 others, in a large operation against three criminal networks.

The suspects' bank accounts, 20 vehicles, 51 properties, and 13 company shares valued at approximately 1.5 billion lira, equivalent to nearly 360 million Swedish kronor, were also seized in the operation, according to the Turkish news agency Anadolu Ajansi.

Abdo is detained in absentia for several serious crimes in Sweden: incitement to attempted murder in Solna, as well as particularly serious drug offenses and drug smuggling related to a seizure of over 1.3 tons of cocaine in Nynäshamn in April 2024.

On Monday, eleven people were convicted for their involvement.

“In this investigation, we have reached higher up in the hierarchy to be able to prosecute several instigators. The overall investigation has aimed to prove and try to establish that Ismail Abdo is behind various aliases in different chats and controls various individuals. We have also conducted extensive analysis work on his network and who he is. He is the common denominator in this case,” says Chief Prosecutor Daniel Jonsson.

Assistance to Turkish Authorities

During the preliminary investigation into the extensive drug case, investigators focused on conducting a large analysis of Ismail Abdo's network and him as a person.

Chief Prosecutor Daniel Jonsson believes this work has assisted the Turkish authorities in their ongoing investigation into Abdo, which led to his current detention.

“There has been close cooperation between Norwegian, Swedish, and Turkish police for some time. My impression is that this investigation has enriched the Turkish investigation,” says Daniel Jonsson.

Prosecutor's Scenarios

Since Abdo is in Turkey, he is detained in absentia and cannot be prosecuted for the crimes he is suspected of in Sweden.

It will take time before the gang leader can be brought to justice here.

The Swedish Prosecution Authority has already determined that Abdo, who is a Turkish citizen, cannot be extradited to Sweden.

Chief Prosecutor Daniel Jonsson now sees two scenarios ahead regarding what might happen next for Ismail Abdo.

“The next step is to see the development in Turkey and what happens in the criminal investigation. We will not get him to Sweden unless something happens with his citizenship, which might lead to a different assessment of extradition. Or we may eventually transfer the prosecution to Turkey. We simply have to wait and see.”

Daniel Jonsson currently describes himself as “hopeful”:

“He has been arrested, and as long as he is detained in Turkey, he cannot commit new crimes in Sweden.”