Ferhat Delen, the founder of the Redkitler criminal gang originating in Yenibosna and expanding across Istanbul and Turkey, was captured in Georgia and brought back to Turkey, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Interior. Delen, born in Mardin, spent years managing the Genç Fenerbahçe supporter group for the Fenerbahçe football club before launching armed attacks against rivals during a struggle for leadership of the group.
Interior Ministry Details Extradition of Redkitler and Erdoğan Aykut Gang Leaders
According to the Ministry of Interior, Redkitler organize crime syndicate leader Ferhat Delen and Erdoğan Aykut organize crime syndicate leader Erdoğan Aykut were captured in Georgia and brought to Turkey via the Sarp Kara Hudut Kapısı. The operation and subsequent extradition were coordinated by the General Directorate of Security’s Interpol Europol Daire Başkanlığı, the KOM ve İstihbarat Başkanlıkları, the Göçmen Kaçakçılığıyla Mücadele ve Hudut Kapıları ile Asayiş Daire Başkanlıkları, along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice.
Ferhat Delen was internationally wanted with a red notice for “Kasten Öldürme, Suç İşlemek Amacıyla Örgüt Kurma ve Ruhsatsız Ateşli Silahlarla Mermileri Satın Alma, Taşıma veya Bulundurma” suçlarından. Erdoğan Aykut was similarly sought with a red notice for “Silahla Yağma, Türk Vatandaşı veya Yabancının Yurt Dışına Çıkmasına İmkân Sağlama, Hırsızlık”. The Ministry’s announcement stressed that organized crime leaders cannot escape the reach of the Turkish state regardless of how long they run or where they hide.
Additional Suspects Extradited from Georgia in Nationwide Crackdown
Alongside the primary gang leaders, authorities secured the extradition of several other suspects from Georgia following coordinated multi-agency efforts. Bayram Tekkalan, described as a member of the Kule Emre organize crime syndicate, was returned after facing red notice warrants for “Silahla Tehdit, Kamu Malına Zarar Verme, Ruhsatsız Ateşli Silahlar Mermileri Satın Alma veya Taşıma veya Bulundurma”.
Four additional individuals identified by initials—Ş.B., D.Y., H.U., and F.S.—were also returned from Georgia under international red notices. Their charges include “Hakaret, Görevi Yaptırmamak için Direnme, Kasten Öldürmeye Azmettirme, Kasten Öldürmeye Teşebbüs ve Sahte Para Basmak, 6136 Sayılı Kanuna Aykırılık, Tasarlayarak Kasten Öldürme, Gece Vakti Silahla Yağma, Cebir, Tehdit veya Hile Kullanarak Kişiyi Hürriyetinden Yoksun Kılma, Kasten Adam Öldürme”.
Did You Know? Ferhat Delen, also known as Ferhat Mardin, previously served in management for the Genç Fenerbahçe supporter group before internal factional disputes over leadership turned violent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ferhat Delen?
Ferhat Delen is the founder of the Redkitler criminal gang. He was born in Mardin, previously managed the Genç Fenerbahçe supporter group of the Fenerbahçe football club, and was wanted internationally with a red notice for charges including intentional killing and forming a criminal organization.
How were the suspects brought back to Turkey?
According to the Ministry of Interior, the suspects were captured in Georgia and returned to Turkey through the Sarp Kara Hudut Kapısı under the coordination of Turkish security and foreign ministries.
Which other individuals were returned alongside the gang leaders?
Bayram Tekkalan from the Kule Emre syndicate and four other individuals identified by the initials Ş.B., D.Y., H.U., and F.S. were extradited from Georgia after being sought internationally via red notices for various felony offenses.