Fugitive Eyewitness in Turkish Criminal Case Captured at Hungarian Border

Serdar Sertçelik, a fugitive eyewitness and defendant in the Ayhan Bora Kaplan criminal gang case, was apprehended at the Hungarian border using a fake Georgian passport. Sertçelik had fled Türkiye following an Interpol Red Notice issued by Turkish authorities.

Sertçelik was initially detained in an investigation into the criminal gang led by Ayhan Bora Kaplan, captured last year. Authorities later uncovered a plot involving Sertçelik, where several police officers allegedly employed him as an 'eyewitness' to start a false graft probe to implicate people close to the government.

Sertçelik violated the rules of his house arrest several times before fleeing Türkiye. An inspector, M.I., working in the organized crime unit of Turkish police, coordinated Sertçelik's escape with the assistance of three civilians. M.I. gave a ride to Sertçelik from Ankara to Istanbul and oversaw his trip from Istanbul to Bodrum in southwestern Türkiye.

Why this matters: This matter has significant implications for the Turkish government and its efforts to combat organized crime, as it reveals potential corruption and misconduct within law enforcement. The outcome of the investigation and extradition proceedings may have far-reaching consequences for the government's credibility and its ability to tackle criminal networks.

From Bodrum, Sertçelik crossed to the nearby Greek island of Kos. He then fled to Hungary through Serbia and was detained on the Hungarian border. The National Intelligence Organization (MIT) located Sertçelik in Montenegro and shared his location with the Justice Ministry, leading to his capture.

The Justice Ministry has launched legal proceedings for Sertçelik's extradition. Sertçelik's involvement in the criminal gang conspiracy case has drawn significant attention in light of allegations that he was used to start a false graft probe to implicate people close to the government, including a former justice minister and prominent politicians.

The allegations against Sertçelik and the police officers involved are reminiscent of a plot by the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ) in 2013, which attempted to topple the government through fabricated allegations against government officials. This similarity has further complicated the ongoing investigation.

The investigation, led by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, has revealed potential misconduct by law enforcement officers allegedly trying to shield Kaplan's criminal network. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya has stated that the investigation will proceed with full transparency.

Sertçelik's capture marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to dismantle the criminal network led by Ayhan Bora Kaplan. The Justice Ministry's legal proceedings for his extradition will be closely watched as authorities continue to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy.

Key Takeaways

• Serdar Sertçelik, a fugitive eyewitness, was caught at the Hungarian border with a fake Georgian passport.
• Sertçelik was involved in a plot to start a false graft probe to implicate people close to the Turkish government.
• A police inspector and three civilians helped Sertçelik escape from Turkey to Hungary.
• The case has significant implications for the Turkish government's efforts to combat organized crime and corruption.
• The Justice Ministry has launched extradition proceedings to bring Sertçelik back to Turkey to face charges.