Sedat Peker: Afghan and Syrian Groups Will Oust Turks from the Market

Sedat Peker, a notorious Turkish organized crime leader, has claimed that in 6-7 years, Afghan and Syrian groups will eliminate a significant portion of Turkish criminal groups from the market. He warned of an increase in crime in Turkey, similar to what occurred in countries like Mexico and Colombia, which are known for high levels of criminal activity.

Peker expressed concerns about the rising numbers of Afghan and Syrian refugees, calling it dangerous. He compared the situation to Brazil, where power shifted from major criminal families to other groups. He mentioned that, like in Mexico and Colombia, drug cartels don’t kill people themselves but operate through others, hinting that Turkey could face similar dangerous developments if the state doesn’t take preventative measures.

“New Structures Are Emerging”

Peker emphasized that new structures are forming in Turkey, including groups consisting of former soldiers or security personnel with a propensity for violence. He warned that these groups could be more difficult for law enforcement to apprehend because of their familiarity with police and military operations.

He drew a comparison to other countries where similar developments occurred, saying that Turkey is behind but could follow the same trajectory. He noted that first, family-style crime organizations form, followed by street gangs, and finally, larger cartel-like groups established by individuals who have left state institutions. Peker believes that Turkey will evolve into such a system within the next three to five years.

“They Will Oust a Significant Portion of Turkish Groups from the Market”

Peker stressed the danger posed by refugee groups, stating that they have reached a point where they can launder drug money and other illicit funds. He explained that Turkish groups are easily caught by the police, but Syrian groups remain more closed off, making it harder for the police to infiltrate them or obtain information. He predicted that, in 6-7 years, Afghan and Syrian criminal groups would oust a significant portion of Turkish groups from the market, drawing on his own experience and statistical trends.