Ex-Turkish police officer accused of helping Australian crime syndicate Comanchero

The Comanchero, a notorious Australian crime syndicate, has been accused of running illegal operations in Türkiye.

Investigators revealed that a former Turkish police officer played a key role in assisting the Comanchero gang with real estate deals, money laundering, and securing Turkish citizenship for an Interpol-wanted fugitive.

Turkish prosecutors have filed an indictment detailing the gang's involvement in drug trafficking, money laundering, and efforts to exploit Türkiye's financial system to move illicit funds.

Key details about indictment:

• Authorities are prosecuting 66 suspects, including 18 already in custody
• Key figures include Joseph Hakan Ayik and Maximillian Rivkin, who changed his name to Cem Cansu after obtaining Turkish citizenship while wanted by Interpol
• Prosecutors are seeking sentences of up to 262 years for some defendants.

Australian crime syndicate Comanchero

Australian crime syndicate Comanchero leader Mark Buddle was arrested in Darwin after his deportation from Türkiye for allegedly smuggling over 160kg of cocaine, Darwin, Australia, Aug. 3, 2022. (Photo via Australian Federal Police)

Australian crime syndicate's money laundering, real estate ties in Türkiye

Authorities say the Australian crime syndicate Comanchero used Türkiye as a hub for laundering drug profits through businesses, including tourism and real estate ventures.

Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) reports confirm that Joseph Hakan Ayik established Apex World Tourism and Biblos Alacati Tourism Investments to disguise illicit earnings.

Documents show that Ayik transferred over 57 million lira ($1.86 million) into his account and withdrew nearly 56 million lira ($1.82 million). Most transactions involved Baris Tukel, owner of Tukel Holding. Prosecutors claim these funds came from narcotics sales and were funneled through Turkish businesses to hide their origin.

Australian crime syndicate Comanchero

Tonga's police confiscated methamphetamine and Australian crime syndicate Comancheros' outlaw motorcycle gang jackets during raids throughout the month, Tonga, Australia, Aug. 21, 2024. (Photo via Tonga Police)

Ex-Turkish police officer accused of facilitating citizenship for wanted criminal

Investigators accuse former police officer Mustafa Selman, brother of ex-Ankara Deputy Police Chief Huseyin Selman, of actively facilitating and covering up illicit transactions that enabled Australian crime syndicate Comanchero fugitives to gain Turkish citizenship.

• The indictment states that Selman arranged for Maximillian Rivkin to obtain citizenship on September 4, 2023, under the name Cem Cansu, despite being wanted by U.S. authorities
• Officials discovered that Rivkin's address and phone number were registered under Selman’s name in Türkiye’s identity database

• Prosecutors claim Selman also facilitated real estate deals for Comanchero leaders and processed financial transactions to obscure money trails

His alleged role in providing logistical and financial support to the organization raises concerns about corruption within law enforcement.

In the Governors' Meeting program, Minister of the Interior Ali Yerlikaya. (AA Photo)

How are the Turkish authorities dealing with crime syndicates?

The Turkish government is escalating its operations against foreign criminal syndicates.

On the same day the indictment was filed, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the extradition of Daltonlar crime group members Sinan Memi and Atakan Avci.

Memi was captured in Poland, while Avci was detained in Bulgaria before being transferred to Türkiye for prosecution.

Authorities say they will continue dismantling crime networks exploiting Türkiye’s financial and legal systems.