02.09.2026 07:50
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek met with his Greek counterpart Yorgos Floridis and raised the issue of the extradition of Ramazan Bayğara, Nedim Sorguç, and Ali Yeşildağ to Turkey. Floridis stated that extradition decisions had been issued for all three individuals and that the government had approved the decisions, but also announced that the transfer of Bayğara and Sorguç was being held up due to interim measures from the European Court of Human Rights.
Türkiye continues its fight against transnational organized crime groups on the international stage. Following Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi's contacts in Georgia, Justice Minister Akın Gürlek also held a video conference with Greek Justice Minister Yorgos Floridis.
During the meeting, judicial assistance, the fight against transnational organized crime, and the extradition of criminals were on the agenda. Gürlek particularly raised the issue of extraditing members of criminal organizations sought by Türkiye who are currently in Greece.
"WHEREVER THEY FLEE, LET THEM FLEE"
Gürlek stated that they are determined to bring criminals before justice no matter where they flee, and drew attention to the importance of strong and uninterrupted judicial cooperation between Türkiye and Greece.
Noting that criminal organizations have moved beyond traditional structures, Gürlek said that technological opportunities and social media platforms are being used, particularly to involve young people in criminal activities.
Gürlek pointed out that organized criminal organizations commit many crimes within their organizational structure, ranging from drug trafficking and money laundering to premeditated murder, robbery, and threats.
CIRCULAR SENT TO 81 PROVINCES
Gürlek announced that they have sent a circular to the chief public prosecutor's offices of 75 heavy penal courts in 81 provinces as part of the fight against organized crime, noting that important steps have been taken to conduct judicial processes more quickly, effectively, and in a coordinated manner.
Emphasizing that the international connections of criminal organizations have carried the fight beyond national borders, Gürlek made the following statements:
"The international connections of these organizations and their structures in different countries necessitate conducting this fight beyond national borders. The structures related to these criminal organizations pose a serious threat not only to our country but also to the public order and public security of the countries where they operate. In this regard, mutual judicial cooperation in the fight against these organizations is very important."
DEMANDED THE EXTRADITION OF RAMAZAN BAYĞARA
One of the important agenda items of the meeting was Ramazan Bayğara, who is stated to be the leader of the "Bayğaralar" criminal organization.
Gürlek reminded that they have requested the extradition to Türkiye of Bayğara, who was arrested in Greece while being sought internationally with a red notice for "establishing an organization for the purpose of committing crimes" and "premeditated murder."
Stating that within the scope of the extradition accepted by the Greek authorities, Bayğara was planned to be handed over to Türkiye on July 31, 2026, Gürlek said that the procedure could not be carried out due to incidents and a fire that occurred at the penal institution where he was held shortly before the handover.
Noting that the extradition process was postponed following Bayğara's application to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), Gürlek expressed that they expect the handover to be carried out as soon as possible.
NEDİM SORGUÇ FILE ALSO ON THE TABLE
Gürlek also discussed the situation of Nedim Sorguç, who is sought with a red notice, with his Greek counterpart.
Stating that Sorguç is sought for "being a member of an organization established for the purpose of committing crimes" and "trafficking or supplying drugs," Gürlek reported that it was decided to hand him over to Türkiye on August 20, 2026, but the procedure did not take place due to an application to the ECHR.
Gürlek emphasized that the extraditions are of great importance due to the structures of these criminal organizations in Türkiye and their activities, particularly targeting young people.
EXTRADITION REQUEST ALSO FOR ALİ YEŞİLDAĞ
During the meeting, the file of Ali Yeşildağ, whose extradition Türkiye has requested, was also brought to the agenda.
Gürlek stated that an extradition request has been made for Yeşildağ for the crimes of "premeditated murder" and "robbery with a weapon with more than one person," emphasizing the importance of his handover to Türkiye, and requested cooperation from the Greek authorities.
GREEK MINISTER: EXTRADITION DECISIONS ISSUED IN ALL 3 FILES
Greek Justice Minister Yorgos Floridis made a striking statement during the meeting.
"In fact, extradition decisions have been issued in all these 3 files," said Floridis, stating that Greek judicial authorities have decided on extradition for all three individuals and that the Greek government has approved these decisions.
Floridis said that the handover procedures for Ramazan Bayğara and Nedim Sorguç could not be carried out due to interim measures issued by the ECHR, and that the court's decisions are awaited.
INVITED TO THE SUMMIT IN ISTANBUL
Gürlek thanked Greece for its support in the field of judicial cooperation to date and stated that the necessary sensitivity would also be shown regarding extraditions that Athens may request from Türkiye.
At the end of the meeting, Gürlek invited Greek Justice Minister Floridis to the International Justice Summit planned to be held in Istanbul on October 8-9, 2026.
Floridis thanked for the invitation and said he would make an effort to attend the summit and represent his country. The Greek Minister also stated that they are ready to continue judicial cooperation on issues concerning the common interests of the two countries.