Turkish Intel captures Dalton crime leader Ahmet Mustafa Timo

In a significant development, Ahmet Mustafa Timo, one of the main leaders of the Dalton crime syndicate, was captured by the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT) in an operation outside Türkiye this week.

The operation followed an investigation led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, which had requested an Interpol “Red Notice” for his arrest. Upon his return to Türkiye, it was revealed that Timo was wanted for 31 different criminal offenses.

Timo’s extensive criminal record

Ahmet Mustafa Timo was brought back to Istanbul by MIT forces after being arrested abroad. He faces charges ranging from being a member and leader of an armed criminal organization to more serious offenses such as attempted murder, robbery, armed threats, and illegal weapon possession.

Among the many crimes, he is specifically wanted for involvement in “intentional killing,” “attempted intentional killing,” “bodily harm,” and “motor vehicle theft.”

Timo is also the prime suspect in high-profile murder cases. On May 27, 2024, he is believed to have orchestrated the killing of Eyup Kara in Istanbul, and on Sept. 25, 2024, he is thought to have been involved in the murder of Yunus Erden in Kahramanmaras.

Ongoing legal proceedings

Timo is undergoing processing in police custody. His investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement authorities working to further uncover his criminal network and activities.

Previous operations against Dalton gang

Timo’s capture is part of a larger effort by Turkish authorities to dismantle organized crime groups. Earlier this year, on Feb. 28, Türkiye’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that two other high-ranking members of the Dalton crime syndicate had been apprehended.

Sinan Memi, a senior leader of the group, was arrested in Poland, while drug trafficker Atakan Avci, also wanted under a Red Notice, was detained in Bulgaria before being brought back to Türkiye.