Organized crime group member wanted on Interpol Red Notice arrested while entering Türkiye

An organized crime group member wanted on an Interpol Red Notice over attacks targeting a cafe and the Iraqi Consulate General in Istanbul was arrested while entering Türkiye from Georgia, prosecutors said on Wednesday.

Muhammed Ali Cinar was detained at the Turkgozu Border Gate in the northeastern province of Ardahan after being released from a prison in Georgia, according to a statement by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.

The prosecutor's office said Cinar was identified as a suspect in attacks targeting a cafe in Istanbul's Bahcelievler district on Nov. 30, 2024, and the Iraqi Consulate General in the city's Sisli district on March 21, 2025.

An Interpol Red Notice was issued for his arrest as part of an investigation by the Organized Crime Investigation Bureau.

Authorities learned that Cinar had been released from prison in Georgia, and was detained as he entered Türkiye through the Turkgozu Border Gate.

Investigation also revealed that Cinar is standing trial on charges of membership in a criminal organization before Istanbul's 31st High Criminal Court.

He was formally arrested by a court following legal procedures.