Interpol Red Notice fugitive and Rumba swedish gang figurehead captured in major drug raid; extradition could be complicated by Turkish citizenship
Major Breakthrough in International Gang Crackdown
Swedish prosecutors confirmed Friday that Ismail Abdo, one of the country’s most wanted gang leaders, has been arrested in Turkey. The dual Swedish-Turkish national has been linked to a long history of drug trafficking and violent crime across Sweden and Europe.
Abdo, 35 — nicknamed “The Strawberry” — is a known leader of the Rumba criminal network and has been the subject of an Interpol red notice since 2023.
Arrest During Massive Turkish Drug Raid
Abdo was among 19 suspects apprehended during coordinated raids in Turkey, where law enforcement seized over a tonne of narcotics and confiscated assets worth approximately 1.5 billion Turkish lira ($38 million USD).
Authorities also:
- Issued warrants for 21 more suspects
- Seized 20 vehicles, 51 properties, and multiple bank accounts
- Confirmed that 4 suspects remain at large
Turkish broadcaster TRT reported that Abdo had allegedly continued running operations from abroad.
Violent Turf War with Foxtrot Gang
The arrest is seen as a major development in Sweden’s ongoing battle with gang violence, much of which has been fueled by a bloody feud between Abdo’s Rumba gang and the rival Foxtrot gang, led by his former ally Rawa Majid.
The conflict escalated dramatically in 2023, when Abdo’s mother was killed in Uppsala — a murder authorities believe was linked to the gang rivalry.
Previous Arrest and Bail Sparks Diplomatic Friction
Abdo was previously arrested in Turkey in 2024 during a traffic stop but released on bail, despite the active Interpol alert. Swedish officials harshly criticized the decision and have pushed for his extradition since.
His dual citizenship could complicate extradition proceedings, as Turkey may be reluctant to hand over one of its nationals.
Sweden’s Gang Crisis and Political Implications
A 2023 police report estimates:
- 14,000 people in Sweden are active in gangs
- 48,000 more have known links to gang networks
The centre-right government, elected in 2022 on a tough-on-crime platform, has deployed the military to assist police in managing urban gang violence.
Recent cases — including a 13-year-old boy firing on Israeli-linked offices — have drawn global concern over how Swedish gangs are being co-opted for foreign intelligence operations, including alleged ties to Iran.
