Justice Minister Akın Gürlek: 294 criminals extradited to Turkey in the first 9 months of 2026
The Ministry of Justice announced that, through coordination with the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs, a large number of criminals were brought back to the country in the first nine months of the year.
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek announced that the total number of criminals brought to Turkey from abroad in the first 9 months of the year has reached 294. In the third quarter alone, 89 people were extradited from 16 different countries.
89 People Extradited in the Third Quarter of the Year
In the third quarter of the year covering the dates between July 1 and September 30, 2026, a total of 89 people were brought to Turkey from 16 different countries within the scope of ordinary and terrorist crimes.
Emphasis on Inter-Institutional Coordination
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek stated in a social media post that the Ministry of Justice works in coordination with the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs.
It was stated that the process of capturing and bringing criminals who fled abroad back to the country is closely and resolutely followed by the relevant institutions.
Prominent Countries in the Third Quarter
It was reported that 48 of the individuals extradited to Turkey during the three-month period covering July, August, and September were brought from Georgia.
During the same period, 12 people from Germany, 10 from Greece, and 3 from the United Kingdom were handed over to judicial authorities.
Nine-Month Total Figures
In the first nine-month period of 2026 covering January through September, the total number of criminals brought to Turkey reached 294.
During this period, Georgia ranked first with 137 people, while 67 people from Germany and 19 from Greece were extradited.
Extraditions from Other Countries
According to the nine-month balance sheet data, the extradition of 9 people from Montenegro, 8 from Bulgaria, and 5 from the United Kingdom to Turkey was carried out.
Determination to Fight Crime and Criminals
Minister Gürlek emphasized that those who think they can commit crimes and escape justice will not feel safe no matter where they are in the world.
It was reiterated that, observing the principle of reciprocity in international judicial cooperation, criminal networks and terrorists will not be let go.