A chilling story of betrayal and violence has gripped a London courtroom as details emerge about the horrific murder of a well-known Turkish DJ. Mehmet Koray Alpergin, 43, whose music career included owning Bizim FM and rubbing shoulders with celebrities like P Diddy and Salt Bae, was kidnapped and killed following an evening out with his girlfriend, Gozde Dalbudak.
The Kidnap That Shook the Community
On the night of 13 October 2022, Koray and Gozde were returning home from a Mayfair restaurant.
Unbeknownst to them, a group of men had been tracking their movements using a device secretly attached to their car weeks earlier.
As they arrived back in Enfield, masked attackers lunged at Koray.
Despite his attempts to flee and cries for help, he was overpowered and forced into a white van, while Gozde was ordered to stay quiet and later locked inside the vehicle.
A Brutal Ordeal Unfolds
The van drove to an alley near Tottenham’s White Hart Lane, close to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, and then to a disused area behind the Stadium Lounge bar.
There, Koray suffered a “horrific and sustained attack,” sustaining at least 94 injuries, including broken ribs, severe head trauma, and ligature marks on his neck.
His body was later transported to Loughton in Essex and left in the woods, where a dog walker would eventually discover him.
Meanwhile, Gozde was imprisoned in the bar’s toilets for almost two days.
The Alleged Role of Two Brothers
Court proceedings have revealed the involvement of two brothers, Kabeer Iqbal, 31, and Zubair Iqbal, 32, who are accused of helping their friend Tejean Kennedy, 34, plan the kidnapping.
Kabeer worked at Zubair’s shop, Veri Peri in Enfield. Prosecutors maintain that the brothers may not have known about Koray’s eventual murder but assisted Kennedy by providing access to his phone and creating an alibi, giving the appearance that he was elsewhere.
Coordinated Planning Behind the Scenes
Evidence presented in court suggests the operation was highly coordinated.
On the night of the attack, four men in a separate car tracked Koray’s journey, keeping in contact with the van carrying Kennedy and his accomplices.
As Koray and Gozde arrived home, the kidnappers were ready to strike. Bloodstained fragments of Koray’s shirt indicated he had fought back but was overwhelmed by the attackers.
The Criminal Network and Connections
Prosecutors allege that Kennedy, described as a “sophisticated criminal,” was closely connected to Cem Orman and Ali Yildrim, believed to be the masterminds currently residing in Turkey.
Kennedy has already been convicted of Koray’s manslaughter, along with two other men, but the Iqbal brothers deny charges of conspiracy to kidnap or assisting an offender.
Remembering Koray Alpergin
Koray was a beloved figure in the Turkish community, recognized not only for his radio station but also for his influence and social connections.
The case highlights the chilling consequences of organized crime infiltrating everyday life, turning a routine evening into a devastating tragedy.
Trial Continues
The courtroom proceedings continue as jurors hear more evidence about the brothers’ alleged involvement, Kennedy’s role, and the network behind the kidnapping.
The case remains a stark reminder of how carefully planned acts of violence can have devastating, far-reaching consequences.