Ismail Abdo, a prominent figure in Scandinavian organized crime known as “The Strawberry,” has been rearrested in Turkey. This arrest marks a potential shift in Turkey’s approach to dealing with Scandinavian gang members using the country as a safe haven.

Turkish authorities conducted a coordinated operation across five cities, resulting in 20 arrests. The operation, according to Turkish officials, targeted international drug trafficking and money laundering. While the specific charges against Abdo remain unclear, this arrest signals a potential crackdown on criminal activities.

The arrest comes after Abdo’s controversial release in May 2024, when he was found wearing a bulletproof vest and carrying a loaded pistol. His release drew criticism, with many questioning how he could continue to orchestrate criminal activities with impunity.

According to gang expert Diamant Salihu, this arrest indicates a change in Turkey’s stance, potentially signaling that Scandinavian criminals are no longer “untouchable.” Salihu emphasized that Turkish authorities are highlighting their cooperation with Sweden and Norway, indicating a willingness to address the issue of gang-related crime.

Abdo leads the Rumba network, which Scandinavian police connect to murder plots and attacks in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. The Rumba network has also been linked to gang conflicts in Denmark, where Swedish teenagers were allegedly recruited as hitmen.

In Sweden, the Rumba network has been embroiled in a violent conflict with the Foxtrot network, led by Rawa Majid, known as “The Kurdish Fox.” The conflict between Abdo and Majid escalated to the point where Abdo allegedly attempted to have Majid killed, and Abdo’s mother was killed in retaliation.

Following Abdo’s arrest, supporters of the Foxtrot network have reportedly spread propaganda on social media, suggesting they will now “crush the strawberries” and take over. Experts warn that the arrest could trigger further unrest and violence within the Swedish gang environment.