Behind the scenes of the Serdar Öktem assassination: Warnings came months in advance

Lawyer Serdar Öktem, who was subjected to an armed attack while driving his vehicle in Zincirlikuyu on the evening of October 6 in Istanbul, lost his life after being struck by bullets in his head, face, and shoulder. It was determined that the masked assailants used two Kalashnikovs and two handguns during the attack.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office stated in a release regarding the incident, "It is assessed that the act was carried out as a result of a grudge held by an organized crime group against the victim." However, the name of the group was not mentioned in the statement.

ALLEGATIONS OF A "DALTONS" ORGANIZATION

According to information shared by journalist İsmail Saymaz, it is alleged that the criminal organization whose name was not disclosed by the prosecutor's office is the underground structure known to the public as the "Daltons." It is claimed that the Daltons' biggest rival is another group called the "Caspers."

It is stated that the two groups were in an alliance in the past, but later split following clashes, particularly around Bağcılar and Yenibosna, and subsequently took their conflict to Europe.

Daltons member Caner Koçak was killed in Spain on August 3 by Burak Bulut, who is alleged to be from the Caspers. Tensions between the two groups escalated after Furkan Yavuz, also from the Daltons, was shot and killed in the middle of the street in Belgium on September 25.

According to the allegations, the Daltons targeted lawyer Serdar Öktem to avenge Caner Koçak. A social media post by Bünyamin Kaçak, who is alleged to be a member of the Daltons, strengthened these claims. Sharing a photo of Koçak, Kaçak wrote, "Our revenge is heavy, my lion, rest easy, your revenge has been taken."

ALLEGATIONS OF BEING THE CASPERS' LAWYER

İsmail Saymaz stated that another allegation cited as the reason for the assassination is that Öktem was close to the "Caspers" group.

According to rumors circulating in underground circles, it is claimed that Öktem provided legal support to İsmail Atız, nicknamed "Hamuş," who is alleged to be the leader of the Caspers and is currently imprisoned in Italy, and even acted as the group's lawyer in some cases.

For this reason, it is alleged that Öktem was targeted by the Daltons and shot in retaliation for the Koçak assassination.

ASSASSINATION PREPARATIONS WERE KNOWN MONTHS IN ADVANCE

Documents regarding the incident show that intelligence units were aware of the Daltons' preparations for an attack on Öktem months in advance.

A letter dated May 17, 2025, from the Istanbul Police Department's Organized Crime Branch included the following statements:

"Information has been obtained that an act will be carried out against Serdar Öktem by members of the Daltons criminal organization."

A second official letter supporting the same information is dated May 20, 2025. In this letter, sent by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office Organized Crime Investigation Bureau, the testimony of a suspect named H.K., who was detained as part of the Daltons investigation, was included.

The suspect had explained that he "was sent to kill a prosecutor but did not carry out the act," and it was determined that the person in question was Serdar Öktem.

In the letter sent to the Police with the "very urgent" label, the Prosecutor's Office had "importantly" requested that all necessary measures be taken to ensure Öktem's safety.

According to İsmail Saymaz, it also emerged that the Bakırköy and Şişli District Police Departments notified Öktem of his security status on July 9 and August 25, informing him that he should apply to the 112 Emergency line, the Public Order Bureau, or the Kuştepe Police Station in case of a threat.

However, no close protection was assigned following these warnings. It was only stated that patrol teams would conduct checks in the vicinity.

It was also reflected in the documents that Öktem had requested protection in the past. It was learned that the lawyer had requested close protection last September, stating that he was being threatened by the DHKP/C, but that the Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism Branches had prepared a report stating there was no threat.

The Organized Crime Branch had shared intelligence regarding the Daltons. However, the attack took place before the protection procedure was completed.

The correspondence that has emerged reveals that it was known since May 17, 2025, that an attack was being planned by the Daltons, and despite this, no protection was provided to Öktem.