Türkiye detains 23 Interpol-wanted fugitives in multi-province operation PHOTO

In a sweeping security operation across six provinces, Turkish authorities have detained 23 foreign nationals wanted by Interpol, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on May 30.

Of the 23 suspects, 13 were the subject of Interpol Red Notices, one was listed under a Blue Notice, and nine were wanted through Interpol diffusion alerts. The individuals are accused of serious crimes, including premeditated murder, sexual assault, fraud, and drug trafficking, Caliber.Az reports per the minister’s X post.

“Kırmızı Bültenle Aradığımız 7 Suçluyu Daha Ülkemize Getirdik. Her zaman söylediğimiz gibi bizden kaçamayacaklar. Bu kabine dönemimizde 360 suçlunun ülkemize iadesini sağladık”⁰⁰🟥 Kırmızı Bültenle uluslararası seviyede aranan S.A., G.K., M.Ş. ve A.S.A., Difüzyon mesajıyla… pic.twitter.com/qT7NHZoexb

— Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) May 31, 2025

Minister Yerlikaya stated that the suspects are sought by 11 countries — including Germany, Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Iraq, Algeria, the United States, Kazakhstan, Albania, and Tajikistan.

“As a result of thorough investigations conducted by our security forces, it was determined that the individuals wanted by Interpol were residing in our country. They were handed over to provincial immigration authorities, and deportation procedures were immediately initiated,” Yerlikaya said.

The operation was carried out with the cooperation of the Interpol-Europol Department, the Ministry of Justice, and various regional security forces, including the Istanbul, Antalya, and Artvin Provincial Police Directorates, as well as the Antalya Provincial Gendarmerie Command.

"We have brought seven more criminals wanted with a Red Notice back to our country. As we always say, they cannot escape from us,” Yerlikaya said, adding that a total of 360 suspects have been extradited during the current cabinet term.

The minister expressed his gratitude to all institutions and personnel involved in the operation, praising the coordination and efficiency of the Turkish security services.

By Sabina Mammadli