The trail of Umut Altaş, a key figure in the Gülistan Doku investigation, has led to the United States.
New details have emerged regarding Altaş’s escape route and tracks in the United States. It was learned that Altaş stayed in a migrant camp, worked in temporary jobs, lived like a homeless person, and his asylum application is ongoing.
Search operations continue for Umut Altaş, who is being presented as a key figure in the Gülistan Doku investigation and for whom a red notice has been issued for arrest, and new information has been obtained.
According to a report in Akşam Gazetesi, Altaş entered the United States illegally via Mexico in May 2022, and has been residing in California, Maryland, Virginia, and New York states for approximately 4 years, working in irregular and temporary jobs during this period. Witnesses who have contacted Altaş recently reported seeing him living as unemployed and homeless.
Umut Altaş’s Tracks and Immigration Process in the US Revealed
According to witness accounts regarding the fugitive Umut Altaş, who has been spotted in 3 states in the US, Altaş first went to California and filed for asylum. After staying in a temporary immigration camp, Altaş was given a court date and, during this process, obtained a 2-year temporary work permit.
Work Permit Obtained
Altaş sent a message to a restaurant owner on November 3, 2022, saying "Abi benim courtum (mahkeme) var oraya gideceğim bir 15 dakika" (I have a court case, I’m going there for 15 minutes”), and on December 11, 2023, he sent a message saying “Abi bu para bana yetmiyor. Ya garson olayım. Ya garsonun aldığı ücreti alayım. Ya da ben başka iş bakayım. Avukata para yollamam lazım onu bile veremiyorum" (Bro, this money isn’t enough. I should become a waiter. Or I should take the waiter’s salary. Or I should look for another job. I can’t even give money to my lawyer).
Constantly Moved
After obtaining a work permit, Altaş moved to Maryland to live with his brother. He stayed in different houses, worked in short-term jobs, and was evicted from the house he was staying in due to his unstable life. Witnesses in Maryland stated that Altaş worked as a commis chef in restaurants, complaining about not earning enough money, and that he spent the time between 2022-2024 in the Maryland-Virginia area.
According to the information provided by witnesses, Altaş received a court summons for asylum proceedings in California on August 19, 2026.
Drugs Found in Room
In a video recorded in a room in California where Altaş was staying while serving as a sheriff, a bag containing a hallucinogenic drug was seen.
Opened a phone line to Turkey in 2025
In early 2025, Altaş, who worked at a pizzeria in New York, used the phone there to also call Turkey. This conversation is believed to be the one he had in early January with his father. Witnesses to Akşam spoke about Altaş, saying, "He looked like someone living on the streets. He had long hair and a beard. He was dirty. He didn’t have glasses."
Furthermore, a photograph emerged showing Altaş and the son of the former Governor of Tunceli, Mustafa Türkay Sonel, together. The photograph was taken at Altaş’s birthday party.
Details regarding Altaş’s escape, subject to a red notice:
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