Turkish gang member convicted over plot to murder man outside London restaurant after £100,000 demand

Beytullah Gunduz, a member of a notorious north London gang, has been found guilty of conspiring to murder Onur Guzel. Guzel was shot outside his family's restaurant in Dalston, east London, on June 20, 2024, after the family refused to pay a £100,000 demand.

“

We could come up with the funds, but why should we pay someone money, for what reason?

Prosecutors stated the shooting was connected to a decades-long feud between the Hackney Turks, also known as the Bombacilar, and the rival Tottenham Turks. This conflict is believed to be responsible for more than 20 murders over the past two decades. The court heard that Gunduz accused Guzel's family of paying £100,000 to members of the Tottenham gang and demanded a similar sum from them.

Guzel, 38, survived the attack but sustained serious injuries after being shot in the stomach by a gunman firing from a passing car. CCTV footage captured the incident. The family's restaurant and home had previously been targeted with gunfire in incidents linked to the gang feud. Guzel testified that Gunduz and an associate initially offered help after earlier attacks before accusing his father of financial support for the rival gang.

“

This was a calculated and ruthless attack carried out in a busy public area which could have easily resulted in the loss of life.

Detective Inspector Iain Wallace of the Metropolitan Police described the attack as calculated and ruthless, noting Gunduz's central role in organizing the shooting and his disregard for public safety. Gunduz, 39, was remanded in custody and is scheduled for sentencing on July 2.

“

a complete disregard for the safety of both the victim and the wider community