Hasan Topal arrested in Turkey, according to underworld sources

Former Comanchero bikie boss Hasan Topal was allegedly a big name in an international drug smuggling ring that distributed some of the biggest illegal shipments in the world, police say.

Melbourne model turned Comanchero bikie boss Hasan Topal was allegedly one of the heavy hitters in an international drug smuggling operation responsible for distributing some of the biggest illegal shipments in the world, police say.

Topal was among more than 30 people arrested in a major operation with Turkish authorities on Thursday.

Those arrested “unknowingly” helped bring their own drug smuggling operation undone by distributing and using “ANOM” phones that were also used in the AFP’s Operation Ironside — a major crackdown on large drug imports and assassination attempts.

AFP Acting Deputy Commissioner Grant Nicholls said the group, including several Aussies with links to the Comancheros, had been hiding out in Türkiye and were allegedly the masterminds behind several huge shipments across several countries.

Former Comanchero Hasan Topal.

“There is an extensive connection to the Comanchero Outlaw Motorcycle Gang and organised crime within Australia,” he said.

“Over previous years, some of these individuals fled Australia because they wanted to evade the Australian Federal Police and other police jurisdictions.

He said their far-reaching criminal connections spanned many countries, including Colombia, Spain, Korea and New Zealand.

“We also allege that they’ve been involved in numerous drug importations over a period of time.

“We allege that they are responsible for a significant portion of addiction, deaths, drug abuse and violence in many communities.”

The international investigation was carried out under the AFP’s Operation Game, which is designed to target criminals that threaten Australia’s national interest, and has reportedly had Topal and other high-level targets in their sights for several years.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Nigel Ryan would not be drawn on whether Topal’s arrest would be the breakthrough local authorities needed in their investigation into two Melbourne murders in 2017.

Police allege Topal was a heavy hitter for an international drug smuggling ring.

The victims were Muhammed Yucel, shot dead at Keysborough, and Zabi Ezedyar, who was fatally shot at Narre Warren.

The alleged target in the Yucel killing was a Mongol bikie associate.

In the Narre Warren slaying, police believe gangland figure Mohammed Keshtiar was the target.

Keshtiar, known as “Afghan Ali”, was shot dead at South Yarra in August this year.

Topal has also been under investigation over a series of other shootings during 2017.

Topal, a former male model, left Australia in 2019, months after finishing a jail term over his role in a brutal brawl at a Canberra strip club.

He had been an office-bearer of the Victorian arm of the feared Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang through that period.

Topal is believed to be one of the “two individuals in particular” that federal authorities have been hunting with the help of its international counterparts, including in Türkiye.

“Organised criminals cannot escape the long arm of the law,” Mr Nicholls said.

Mr Ryan said Thursday’s arrests were “nothing short of significant”.

“What we’ve seen over the course of a number of years now is that the Comancheros have been significantly damaged by the work that the AFP has done,” he said.

“A number of these serious organised criminals believe that they can hide and that they’re untouchable.”

It is believed the slew of arrests could help solve other major crimes in Australia.

Those arrested are expected to front court in the coming days.

It was confirmed on Thursday night that fugitive Sydney crime boss Hakan Ayik, a top Comanchero, has been arrested after being pursued by the AFP.

Ayik is regarded as one of Australia’s most wanted men but disappeared overseas years ago where he has continued to accumulate vast wealth.

His assets were frozen earlier this year as authorities worked to loosen his power base.

Those assets included hundreds of bank accounts, homes, properties and companies.

They had been controlled by the dual-Australian citizen from Turkey.

Ayik has a lengthy history of alleged large-scale drug trafficking. He has long been associated with some of the most powerful figures in the Australian underworld.

An Australian Federal Police spokesman said the organisation was aware of reporting from Turkey. “The AFP acknowledges the Turkish National Police for undertaking one of the most significant operations targeting alleged transnational serious organised criminals, some of whom are accused of illicit drug trafficking to Australia and around the world.”