Swedish fugitive wanted for 10 deaths arrested in Türkiye

Michael Lindstrom, a fugitive wanted by Swedish authorities for causing the deaths of 10 people in attacks involving firearms and explosives, was apprehended in a dramatic operation by the Bodrum District Gendarmerie Command on Jan. 17.

Lindstrom, who is also suspected of engaging in armed confrontations in Spain, had been on an international wanted list for charges including “possession of firearms and explosives” and “causing the deaths of multiple individuals.”

Swedish fugitive Michael Lindstrom, wanted for killing 10 people in a deadly attack, captured in Bodrum by Turkish authorities pic.twitter.com/HtnwsFcVkN

— Türkiye Today (@turkiyetodaycom) January 20, 2025

Authorities tracked Lindström’s movements after he entered Türkiye on Jan. 7 via a flight from Morocco to Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen Airport. He subsequently traveled on a domestic flight to Milas-Bodrum Airport and was found hiding in a residence in the Tilkicik Bay area of Bodrum.

During the operation, gendarmerie teams discovered two pistol magazines, 10 bullets, nine knives, a brass knuckle, and two air rifles in the house where Lindstrom had been staying. Lindstrom was detained and later remanded into custody by a court order.

In connection with the case, Serhat Muhammet Budak, a 20-year-old Swedish citizen of Turkish descent, was also arrested on charges of aiding and abetting the fugitive. Both suspects have been placed in pre-trial detention.

The investigation, conducted under the coordination of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, is ongoing. Swedish authorities are expected to seek Lindstrom’s extradition in connection with the attacks attributed to him.