Armenia extradited two individuals accused of organized crime to Turkey, according to a statement by the Armenian Foreign Ministry.

"Responding to an Interpol Red Notice, Armenia extradited two individuals to Turkey on January 19, 2025, who were involved in organized crime within Turkey," the ministry stated.

Turkish sources revealed details about the extradited individuals, emphasizing their criminal activities and Interpol's role in their apprehension.

Turkish media shared footage showing special forces escorting the extradited individuals. According to Daily Sabah, the individuals are identified as Erkan Yilmaz and Ibrahim Kaymak. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya noted that Yilmaz had evaded capture for 15 years despite facing 43 arrest warrants. He had been on Interpol's most-wanted list for the past 14 years, according to Factor.am.

Kaymak, Yerlikaya explained, had been on the run for six years, evading 10 arrest warrants and one international warrant issued a year ago.

The Turkish Interior Minister expressed gratitude to Armenian Deputy Justice Minister Tigran Dadunts for his role in facilitating the extradition, calling the arrests and cooperation a result of joint efforts.

"Relations between Turkey and Armenia have been tense since the collapse of the Soviet Union. However, recent years have seen some steps toward normalization, albeit at a slow pace. Such extradition cases are rare between the two countries," Turkish media reported.

Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it appreciated Armenia's cooperation in this matter.