Turkish Mafia Boss Killed in Spanish Hospital Amid ‘Settling of Scores’
A Turkish mafia boss was fatally shot in a Spanish hospital, sparking an investigation into a possible ‘settling of scores’ between criminal gangs.
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A Turkish mafia boss was fatally shot in his hospital bed in Tarragona, Spain, on Thursday, days after he was ambushed and critically injured. Local outlets reported that the attack, believed to be a ‘settling of scores’ between Turkish gangs, occurred in the Joan XXIII University Hospital.
Attack and Hospital Shooting
Mekin Büyükdeniz, 35, the presumed leader of the Istanbul-based 10 Kardeşler (‘Ten Brothers’) criminal organization, was critically injured on October 16 when an unknown assailant opened fire on him in the coastal town of Salou. Despite sustaining over a dozen gunshot wounds, he survived the attack and was hospitalized in Tarragona.
On Thursday, an unidentified individual entered the hospital’s trauma ward, concealed his identity with a hood and helmet, and shot Büyükdeniz while he was accompanied by his partner. He was recently transferred from the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to an upper floor, where security measures were reportedly eased.
Investigation and Security Details
Catalonia’s Mossos d’Esquadra police are investigating the incident, with security camera footage from the hospital showing the assailant walking through the facility and exiting on a scooter. The man avoided the main entrance and was seen concealing his face after realizing he was being filmed.
Olga Pané, the regional Health Minister, confirmed there were two security guards present during the incident, but they were attending to another critical situation. The assailant reportedly exited through an access door used for trash removal.
Criminal Background and Ongoing Investigations
The 10 Kardeşler gang is linked to a range of criminal activities, including drugs and arms trafficking, homicide, and extortion. Local outlets noted that investigators are examining whether the assassination was connected to a series of criminal activities that led to the March arrest of 21 Turkish mobsters in Spain, including 14 in Catalonia.
According to unnamed police sources, Büyükdeniz did not wish to file a complaint after the October 16 ambush and was not particularly cooperative with investigators. He reportedly told healthcare staff and police that he believed his enemies would kill him when they had the opportunity.
Rising Mafia Activities in Spain
Catalonian police have reported an alarming increase in Turkish mafia activities in the region over the past two years. The circumstances surrounding the killing of Büyükdeniz remain under investigation, with local authorities not ruling out the possibility that the assailant has already fled Spain.
Source: Breitbart
