High-Profile International Criminals Captured in Istanbul and Bodrum
Our Minister of Interior, Mr. Ali Yerlikaya, announced on his social media account the apprehension of three high-profile criminals sought internationally. The arrests were made following Interpol red notices from Sweden and Montenegro.
Alexander Gustafsson, wanted by Sweden for “Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering, Doping, and Forgery,” was captured in Istanbul. Dragan Pavlicevic, wanted by Montenegro for “Drug Trafficking and Membership in a Criminal Organization,” was also apprehended in Istanbul. Meanwhile, Alexandar Nedevski, wanted by Sweden for “Money Laundering and Drug Offenses,” was detained in Bodrum during the “KUYU-13” operation.
In coordination with the Interpol-Europol Department and the Directorate General of Migration Management, Istanbul’s Narcotic Crimes Division and Border Gates Division were critical in capturing Alexander Gustafsson. Using a fake Polish identity under the name “Aleksander Kawa,” he was found with a counterfeit Polish passport and was apprehended in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district.
Dragan Pavlicevic was detained on July 28, 2024, in Istanbul’s Avcılar district. According to the red notice issued by Montenegro, he was heavily involved in trafficking 1,570 kg of cocaine with members of a criminal organization across Montenegro, Colombia, Ecuador, Australia, and the Netherlands.
Alexandar Nedevski entered Turkey with a Kosovan passport under the name “Besnik Lajqi.” Coordinated efforts by the Istanbul and Muğla Narcotic Crimes Divisions resulted in his capture in Bodrum.
Minister Yerlikaya praised the operation team, stating, “No matter what kind of red notice they carry, we will not allow international organized crime syndicates and drug dealers to disrupt the peace of our citizens. We will bring each one to justice.”
[Click here for the original post by Minister Yerlikaya](https://twitter.com/AliYerlikaya/status/1685789573474172930)