Major Breakthrough for Swedish Justice as Gang Leader Ismail Abdo Arrested

Even though gang leader Ismail Abdo has been arrested for reasons other than his international warrant, it is a success for the Swedish justice system, according to Gunnar Appelgren, a police officer and expert on gang crime.

• The important thing is that he is apprehended, prosecuted, and prevented from continuing his criminal activities, he tells TT.

If Turkey has finally managed to capture the wanted gang leader Ismail Abdo through international contacts, it is significant, as such criminals instigate serious crimes in Sweden, emphasizes Gunnar Appelgren.

• We know he is abroad instigating several crimes. It would be beneficial for the justice system if he is arrested and there is a possibility to have him extradited for these suspicions, he says.

Halting Criminal Activities

Even though Abdo is currently only arrested for crimes committed in Turkey, it is positive, reasons Gunnar Appelgren.

• The effect could still be that he is prevented from instigating crimes in Sweden and is convicted for crimes he committed in Turkey. It can be an effective way to keep him at bay, he says.

Bonus for the Justice System

Ismail Abdo is a Turkish citizen and will therefore likely not be extradited to Sweden, notes Gunnar Appelgren.

• But there may be independent investigations in Turkey that put a stop to his criminal activities. In that case, it becomes a bonus for the Swedish justice system, he says.

Previously, the fact that Ismail Abdo was a Turkish citizen made it impossible to have him extradited to Sweden, states prosecutor Daniel Jonsson.

• I cannot comment on how likely it is to have him extradited now, says Daniel Jonsson.