Swedish man suspected of leading Lejonen gang arrested in Turkey

A 35-year-old Swedish man from Stockholm has been arrested in Bodrum, Turkey, on suspicion of international drug trafficking.

The arrest was carried out by Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and security forces following an Interpol Red Notice. At the time of his capture, the man was found in possession of six mobile phones, €45,000 in cash, a cryptocurrency wallet, gold jewelry, and two luxury watches, according to Turkish media reports.

The suspect is accused of smuggling large quantities of drugs from the Netherlands through Sweden to Norway. He is already wanted in Sweden on charges of particularly serious drug offenses and has been remanded in absentia.

“This person should be considered a leading figure in Lejonen,” said SVT crime reporter Diamant Salihu. The Stockholm-based gang has been linked to drug trafficking, and internal divisions within the group have been tied to a wave of violence in the Swedish capital during 2023.

Turkey’s recent cooperation agreements with Sweden on cross-border crime enforcement have increased the risks for fugitives operating abroad, Salihu noted. Multiple members of Lejonen have been arrested in Turkey this summer following international arrest warrants. In May 2024, gang leader Ismail Abdo was detained in Turkey along with 18 others.