He was the key figure in the Gülistan Doku case: Process initiated for the extradition of Umut Altaş to Turkey

Following the capture of fugitive suspect Umut Altaş in the U.S. while he was being sought via a red notice in the investigation into the disappearance of Gülistan Doku, Turkey has launched comprehensive legal and diplomatic initiatives. Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi, in his assessment of the development, announced that all steps within the scope of international cooperation have been taken for Altaş's extradition to Turkey.

Minister Çiftçi, in a statement on his social media account, included the following assessments: “Our determined struggle to ensure justice is served in the Gülistan Doku case has reached an important stage on an international scale today. Fugitive suspect Umut Altaş, for whom a red notice was issued on April 21, 2026, has been detained in the United States as a result of the multi-layered and meticulous cooperation we have conducted with the security units of friendly and allied countries, primarily Interpol. The process for the suspect's extradition to our country has been initiated immediately, and all necessary diplomatic and legal mechanisms have been activated to ensure he faces justice. The red notice and provisional arrest request prepared for the suspect were transmitted to the relevant international authorities without delay, and all technical data obtained throughout the process and information that could contribute to the investigation were shared instantly with the relevant country's authorities. As a result of simultaneous coordination with INTERPOL, the FBI, and the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations unit, the fugitive's range of movement was narrowed step by step, his presence in the New York region was detected, and the detention process was concluded rapidly.”

While emphasizing that the extradition process is being carried out meticulously, the Minister stated that different intelligence and analysis methods were used in Altaş's capture. Open-source research, digital tracking techniques, and social media analyses, as well as interviews the suspect conducted with various media outlets and publicly available footage, were among the information shared with American authorities.

EFFECTIVE RESULT IN INTERNATIONAL COORDINATION

Minister Çiftçi stated that they have been in constant contact with the Interpol unit in the U.S. and the FBI since April 21, 2026. He also pointed out that high coordination was achieved with the advanced criminal analysis systems and digital data examination capabilities of the General Directorate of Security and the Gendarmerie General Command. He emphasized the international success of the operation by saying, “This is a concrete indicator of the global capacity, technological competence, and institutional determination our state has reached in the fight against crime and criminals.”

It was stated that during the investigation process, all movements of the fugitive suspect were kept under surveillance by security units through methods such as digital tracking, examination of financial activities, and international data sharing. The Minister reiterated that all data obtained regarding the case were shared in full with foreign authorities.

329 FUGITIVES BROUGHT FROM ABROAD IN 5 MONTHS

Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi shared that 329 people have been extradited to Turkey from abroad in the last five months, stating that this picture shows that no country is a safe haven for criminals. “This process has once again shown that the Republic of Turkey has a high coordination capability in the fight against crime and criminals, not only within its own borders but also in the international arena. We will not tolerate any structure, any negligence, or any silence that feeds the perception of impunity. We will not allow any case that deeply wounds the social conscience to remain in the dark. Our state's memory is strong, and its will for justice is unshakable. No matter where the criminal is, no matter which country they hide in, our state will continue to breathe down their neck. All our citizens who have been waiting for justice for years, especially Gülistan Doku's family, should know this; no mother's tears, no father's silent wait will be lost in time. The material truth will sooner or later be revealed, and the necessary account will definitely be asked before the law. The Republic of Turkey will never give up its will to protect the rights and laws of its citizens," he stated.

News Source: 12punto