Khalil el Zein, the notorious Lebanese gang leader who orchestrated the robbery of Berlin’s famous KaDeWe department store, has been deported from Germany to Türkiye. El Zein voluntarily requested to be sent to Türkiye and was escorted by police from Berlin to Istanbul, Turkish media reports.
This case highlights the increasing number of criminals being deported from Germany to Türkiye, reflecting the implementation of Germany’s expedited deportation system, "Sofortverfahren" (jet hearings), which accelerates asylum processes and deportations. Türkiye has become the primary destination for deported individuals from Germany.
The deportation of Khalil el Zein underscores Germany’s intensified measures to combat crime and enforce deportations for non-citizens with criminal records. Türkiye’s role as the primary destination for deportations raises questions about bilateral agreements and the impact of hosting deported individuals.
As Germany continues to implement fast-track deportation measures, the focus remains on maintaining international collaboration to address migration challenges while balancing legal and humanitarian obligations. This trend of deportations to Türkiye also reflects broader migration dynamics in Europe.