Australia’s most wanted fugitive has been arrested in dramatic scenes in Turkey as part of a major crackdown aimed at disrupting the Comanchero motorcycle gang.
Hakan Ayik was one of dozens of underworld figures arrested by local police in Istanbul on Thursday morning local time, 13 years after he fled Australia in 2010.
Ayik, also known as ‘Big Hux’, became one of the world’s most wanted criminals after the FBI and AFP tracked his global drug empire through the encrypted messaging platform AN0M.
The arrest was announced by Ali Yerlikaya, Turkey’s Interior Minister, in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
In a dramatic video of the morning raids, Ayik is seen shirtless, with his hands behind his back, surrounded by heavily armed officers.
Australia’s most wanted man, Hakan Ayik (pictured), was arrested by Turkish police in Istanbul on Thursday
The raids also resulted in the arrest of Australian underworld figures Hakan Arif, Baris Tukel and Erkan Dogan and the seizure of an estimated A$250 million.
Mr Yerlikaya stated that authorities from Australia and the US had issued an Interpol red alert about Ayik.
Arif, Tukel and Dogan were also given red alerts by authorities in New Zealand, Australia and the United States respectively.
“Gang leaders, together with managers and members of Turkish civil organizations, as well as members of foreign national organizations, come to our country and continue their criminal activities,” Mr. Yerlikaya’s message read.
“It has been established that they are trying to launder the proceeds from crimes in our country.”
Mr Yerlikaya alleged that Ayik had continued to operate international drug smuggling rings from his command post in Turkey, believed to be linked to Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel.
Turkish officials believe Ayik facilitated the transportation of drugs from South America to Australia, the Netherlands and Hong Kong via South Korea and South Africa.
An AFP spokesperson confirmed they were aware of Ayik’s arrest and praised Turkish police for the raids.
Hakan Ayik has finally been arrested, 13 years after fleeing Australia
“The AFP recognizes the Turkish National Police for conducting one of the most significant operations targeting suspected transnational serious organized criminals, some of whom are accused of illegal drug trafficking to Australia and the rest of the world,” the statement read.
‘Turkiye is a regional leader in the global fight against transnational serious organizations.
‘AFP is based in Turkiye and has witnessed the determination of the Turkish National Police in disrupting, arresting and charging suspected organized crime figures.
Sources close to federal and state law enforcement said Daily telegram that there is little chance that Ayik will be extradited to Australia because of his Turkish citizenship.
Sources within Australia’s criminal underworld also told the publication that Ayik does not expect to be returned to Australia and is instead preparing to spend time in prison in Turkey.
Ayik’s wealth is estimated at more than $800 million as head of the Comancheros and the drug cartel.
Hakan Ayik is said to have become one of the largest drug importers in the world due to his leadership role in the motorcycle gang
Ayik has managed to evade capture in recent years, despite the arrests of his closest associates in the past 12 months, Mark Buddle and Duax Ngakuru.
Authorities began closing in on the kingpin after his assets were frozen by Turkish officials in July.
AFP Deputy Commissioner Nigel Ryan said at the time that Ayik’s arrest was of paramount importance.
“He’s living the good life, he’s fat and rich from the drug sales coming into Australia and killing our children,” Assistant Commissioner Ryan said.
The raids resulted in the arrest of dozens of underworld figures and the seizure of an estimated $250 million AUD (photo, Turkish police raids)