Instigator of lawyer Serdar Öktem's murder captured in Russia

Ali Gulmalizada, an Azerbaijani citizen codenamed 'Alican Çakır', who is alleged to have coordinated the murder of lawyer Serdar Öktem—who lost his life in an armed attack in his vehicle near the Zincirlikuyu Cemetery in Istanbul on October 6—from abroad and is claimed to be one of the leaders of the Daltonlar criminal organization, was captured in Moscow on October 23.

According to a report by halktv.com.tr, Ali Gulmalizada was captured during a joint operation by the Russian intelligence service FSB and Turkish intelligence while he was dining with a large group of Dagestani and Azerbaijani individuals at a restaurant in Moscow. He admitted that the numerous weapons seized during the search of his person and vehicle belonged to him and the individuals accompanying him.

HOLDS RESIDENCY IN RUSSIA AND DUBAI

It was learned that Gulmalizada holds residency in both Russia and Dubai, and that he entered Russia via Dubai. If Russia deports him, Gulmalizada will be sent to Dubai. If Dubai also refuses to accept him, he will be deported to Azerbaijan, of which he is a citizen.

CANNOT BE EXTRADITED TO TURKEY

Ali Gulmalizada was wanted by Interpol via a red notice. Because he is an Azerbaijani citizen, he cannot be extradited to Turkey at this stage. Whether Ali Gulmalizada will be handed over to Turkey following the relevant contacts by Foreign Ministry officials remains a matter of curiosity.