Turkish Organized Crime Surges in Spain Amid Escalating Feuds and Drug Trafficking

Rising Presence of Turkish Criminal Networks in Spain

Spain has emerged as a significant staging ground for Turkish criminal gangs, which are increasingly exporting their internal feuds and organized-crime operations into the country. This surge in activity has been characterized by a rise in violent confrontations, targeted killings, and large-scale drug trafficking, particularly along Spain's Mediterranean coast and in major cities like Barcelona, Alicante, and Málaga.

Escalating Violence and Turf Wars

The presence of these groups has led to a notable increase in violent incidents. On August 3, 2025, Caner Koçer, a prominent figure of the Dalton clan, was shot dead in Torrevieja, Alicante. This assassination is believed to be a result of an ongoing conflict with the rival Caspers gang. Just weeks prior, on July 20, 2025, a shooting in Estepona, Málaga, which injured a pedestrian, is also being investigated as a clash between these same factions. Another high-profile incident occurred in May 2024, when Tekin Kartal, linked to the Baybasin clan, was murdered in Barcelona in what authorities suspect was a vendetta between Turkish criminal groups. These gangs often operate like 'armed paramilitary factions,' utilizing military-grade weapons and engaging in rapid, cross-border movements.

Spain as a Major Drug Trafficking Hub

Turkish criminal organizations view Spain as a 'strategic gateway for the cocaine trade,' offering direct access to South American cartels, especially Colombian networks. Their activities extend to a wide range of illicit operations, including:

• Cocaine trafficking: Large shipments from Latin America are routed through Spain to Europe.
• Heroin and marijuana smuggling: These groups are also involved in the trafficking of heroin and the export of marijuana from Spain to Turkey.
• Arms smuggling and money laundering: These activities support their broader criminal enterprises.

Recent law enforcement successes underscore the scale of these operations. In October 2025, a joint operation between Turkish customs and Spanish police led to the seizure of 1.7 tons of cocaine hidden in fossil flour, resulting in three arrests in Madrid. In July 2025, a network smuggling cocaine into Spain and marijuana to Turkey was dismantled, leading to 15 arrests across Barcelona and Tarragona. Furthermore, June 2024's 'Operation Argay' saw the arrest of Turkish drug lord Kerim Dağlıoğlu (also known as Emre Karaca) and 42 other individuals across Granada, Malaga, and Seville, with authorities seizing over 2 tons of cannabis.

Law Enforcement Response and Challenges

Spanish authorities, including the Mossos d'Esquadra, Guardia Civil, and National Police, are actively collaborating with international partners, including Turkish, French, and other European police forces, to combat this growing threat. Spain's appeal to these criminal networks is attributed to its high mobility, dense tourist traffic, and established criminal corridors, which can allow them to operate with comparatively lower scrutiny. The impact is also visible in the correctional system, with an increase in Turkish individuals incarcerated in Catalan prisons for drug trafficking offenses.