Turkish crime syndicate Daltons member arrested in Thessaloniki, Greece
Police cars near Rhodes Police Headquarters in Rhodes, Greece on 21 October 2023 (Adobe Stock Photo)
A senior member of the Turkish crime syndicate “Daltons” has been arrested in Thessaloniki, Greece, according to local authorities.
The arrest of 49-year-old Fatih Uzunyayla, a key figure in the criminal organization, follows an ongoing investigation into their activities across Europe, including Greece.
Uzunyayla, who had been operating in the Turkish underworld for years, was apprehended after being tracked by Greek law enforcement in coordination with Turkish authorities.
He had reportedly entered Greece in April 2024, claiming asylum as a politically persecuted individual, a claim that authorities have now questioned given his criminal background.
Connection to multiple murders and crime activities
The “Daltons” are a violent criminal organization involved in multiple illegal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and murder.
Uzunyayla’s arrest is linked to the group’s activities, including their involvement in the 2023 mass execution in Loutsa, Greece, where six individuals with connections to the “Daltons” were killed.
This act of violence is believed to have been part of an ongoing feud with rival criminal groups, including the “Skaljari” mafia from Montenegro.
The organization’s reach extends beyond Türkiye, with members linked to international killings, including a double murder in the French Alps in 2023.
Their actions have caused significant unrest in both the Turkish and European criminal underworlds.
Ongoing surveillance and international coordination
Uzunyayla had been under surveillance since his arrival in Greece, with authorities maintaining communication with their Turkish counterparts.
His arrest comes after an international warrant was issued by Interpol, which had been tracking him for his involvement in several criminal offenses, including being a key player in extortion rackets, firearms trafficking, and participation in organized crime.
The arrest occurred when Greek police executed a surprise raid on a Thessaloniki apartment where Uzunyayla had been staying.
Authorities say he was captured while casually drinking coffee on his balcony, unaware of the impending operation.
The ‘Daltons’ and their expanding influence
The “Daltons” crime syndicate, known for its brutal tactics, operates with a network of killers-for-hire and drug traffickers.
They have been involved in several high-profile murders, including the assassination of several leaders from rival gangs. The group’s involvement in both the Turkish and European criminal scenes has raised concerns among law enforcement agencies.
In addition to their violent operations, the “Daltons” are also believed to be active in money laundering and the illegal trafficking of migrants.
Their operations have spread across various European countries, making them a significant threat to international law enforcement.
The arrest of Uzunyayla underscores the growing influence of Turkish criminal groups in Greece and Europe. Greek authorities have been increasingly concerned with the activities of these organizations, which have been linked to a series of violent incidents, including the deadly confrontation in Glyfada.
Uzunyayla’s arrest is part of broader efforts by Greek law enforcement to dismantle criminal networks operating within the country.
The Greek police have worked closely with international counterparts, including the National Intelligence Service (EYP) and the Directorate of Organized Crime, to combat the rising tide of criminal activity from these groups.
Mafia wars across Europe
The mafia landscape in Türkiye and Europe has become increasingly volatile, with factions like Sahinler, Sarallar, and Boyun’s Dalton gang vying for power and control.
Drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, and revenge killings have plagued not just Türkiye but countries like Italy, France, and Greece, where these organizations have expanded their influence.
Boyun’s arrest in Italy has only added more complexity to this intricate web of mafia alliances and rivalries.
The Italian investigation has revealed that Boyun’s influence extends far beyond Turkish borders, with operatives in multiple European countries.
Despite his close ties to Sedat Sahin, Boyun’s internal conflict with former allies, like the Dalton gang, has led to a string of killings that have drawn international attention.
As Greek authorities continue their investigation, one thing is certain: the mafia wars are far from over, and the arrest of Emirhan Karademir may only be the beginning of a larger unraveling.
