Tuesday, October 8, 2024

‘Europe’s Escobar’ ruled gang linked to Hackney shooting of girl, 9

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The kingpin former boss of a crime gang linked to a shooting that has left a nine-year-old girl fighting for her life has been cleared for release from prison.

Huseyin Baybasin, 67, became known as “Europe’s Pablo Escobar” when he masterminded the export of vast quantities of heroin while leading the Hackney Bombers organised crime group.




Shots fired at a Turkish restaurant in the East London borough last week were reportedly aimed at leading members of the Bombers, who have been involved in a long running feud with their rivals, the Tottenham Turks.

It has reportedly led to more than 20 murders and a series of kidnappings as the rivals fight for control over the drugs trade, racketeering operations and political funding in Turkey.

The latest suspected victim, who was having dinner with her family when she was hit in the head, remains in a critical condition following the drive-by shooting last Wednesday, Det Chief Supt James Conway said.

Huseyin Baybasin masterminded the export of vast quantities of heroin
Pablo Escobar was a Colombian drug lord(AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking a week after the attack, Mr Conway revealed today that a “critical line of enquiry” is a possible link to “Turkish-originating” organised crime networks.

He said: “Our young victim remains in a critical condition. Specialist family liaison officers continue to support her family through this terribly difficult time and our thoughts remain with her and her family. It is very clear that this attack has had a devastating impact on the family.”

The girl reportedly moved with her parents from a village in Kerala, southwest India, to Birmingham. Her grandmother told Indian media that her son’s only child had been shot while they were visiting friends in London.

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