Dawood Network Link Exposed: Salim Dola Lived as ‘Hamza’ in Turkey Before Deportation

Mumbai– Indian authorities have uncovered that Salim Dola, a close associate of Dawood Ibrahim, had been living in Turkey under a fake identity before being deported back to India.

Investigations reveal that the 59-year-old allegedly used the alias “Hamza” on a Bulgarian passport to conceal his identity while staying in Turkey. Officials are now examining whether the passport was genuine or forged and how it was obtained.

Dola was deported to India on April 28 after being detained by Turkish intelligence agencies and local police. He is currently in the custody of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) until May 8 as part of an ongoing investigation.

His arrest abroad followed a Red Notice issued by Interpol at India’s request in March 2024, which helped track his international movements.

Dola has a long history linked to drug trafficking and organized crime. He was first arrested in 2012 in connection with a narcotics seizure and again in 2018 in another major case. After being granted bail, he allegedly fled India, moving through the UAE before settling in Turkey.

According to officials, he later became a key figure in a transnational drug trafficking network operating across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. His alleged involvement spans multiple high-value cases involving substances such as heroin, methamphetamine, mephedrone, and other banned drugs.

The NCB has informed a Mumbai court that Dola is believed to be a major supplier in a 2023 drug seizure case in South Mumbai, further strengthening the case against him.

Authorities are now working to map his network, trace financial links, and identify associates connected to his international operations.