Swedish Crime Boss Ismail Abdo Captured in Turkey Amid Ongoing Gang Violence

Tue Oct 21 2025 22:08:49 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

**Swedish Crime Boss Ismail Abdo Captured in Turkey Amid Ongoing Gang Violence**

A notorious gang leader from Sweden has been detained in Turkey as part of a broader crackdown on organized crime.

Ismail Abdo, implicated in a series of drug-related offenses, was arrested during coordinated raids leading to significant drug seizures and additional arrests, igniting discussions on gang violence in Sweden.

In a significant development, Ismail Abdo, one of Sweden's most wanted gang leaders, has been apprehended in Turkey, as confirmed by the Swedish prosecutor's office. Abdo, a 35-year-old dual citizen of Turkey and Sweden, leads the infamous Rumba crime gang and is facing multiple drug-related charges, garnering a red notice from Interpol last year for his alleged involvement in orchestrating illegal activities while residing abroad.

Turkish police carried out a series of raids leading to Abdo's arrest, targeting individuals suspected of serious drug trafficking and violent crimes. During the operations, over a tonne of drugs was reportedly confiscated, along with significant assets valued at approximately 1.5 billion Turkish lira (around $38 million). The whereabouts of the raids remain undisclosed, and further arrest warrants have been issued for 21 additional suspects connected to these activities.

Abdo's criminal activities have significantly contributed to an alarming rise in gang violence in Sweden, particularly due to a rivalry with Rawa Majida, leader of the rival Foxtrot gang. The situation escalated further in 2023 when Abdo's mother was murdered in Uppsala, which intensified the ongoing turf war. The Swedish government, facing a surge in gang-related killings, has resorted to deploying the military to restore order.

Despite being arrested during a traffic stop in Turkey previously in 2024, Abdo was released on bail, leading to criticism from Swedish authorities who were pushing for his extradition based on the active Interpol red notice. His dual nationality as a Turkish citizen may complicate the extradition process, potentially delaying justice for numerous victims of gang violence in Sweden.

The impact of such gangs is profound; an estimated 14,000 people in Sweden are currently involved in criminal organizations, with another 48,000 linked to these networks. The Swedish government’s center-right coalition, which pledged to confront gang crime when elected in 2022, may view the arrest of Abdo as a crucial step towards addressing this ongoing crisis.