Detectives investigating the murder of a father of three are offering a £20,000 reward for information that leads to the prosecution of those responsible for his death four years ago.
Bulent Kabala, 41, from Enfield, was fatally shot on Monday, 12 February 2018 in Mount Pleasant, Barnet. His murder shattered the lives of his wife and three children, who are still desperately searching for answers four years on from his death.
Detective Inspector Matt Denby from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, who is leading the investigation, said: “The circumstances surrounding Bulent’s murder suggest that he was actively targeted and killed. Bulent was devoted to his family. His wife Sevitch and their three children have been left completely heartbroken and will have to live with that pain forever. There are individuals with information relating to this killing and its planning who have not yet come forward. For the sake of Bulent’s family and the community, I implore them to do so.”
Bulent, a taxi driver in north London who was originally from Turkey, was due to pick up a fare at about 11.45pm on Monday, 12 February 2018 and entered a roundabout in Mount Pleasant at the junction with Edgeworth Road, Barnet.
As he did so, his vehicle was hit by a blue Ford Transit van, prompting him to get out of the car to assess the damage. He was then shot a number of times – at close range – before the van sped away.
Bulent was pronounced dead at the scene, with a post-mortem examination giving the cause of death as gunshot wounds to the head and chest.
CCTV showed the transit van, which was on stolen plates, had been following Bulent’s car. It was later found abandoned on Wednesday, 14 February 2018 in Pilgrim’s Close, N13.
A £20,000 reward is being offered for information which leads to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for Bulent’s murder.
DI Denby added: “This murder occurred four years ago but any information regarding the incident may still be as relevant now as it was then. You may have felt unable to come forward at the time, for whatever the reason. Bulent’s family and I are now pleading with you to do the right thing and come forward, even if you think the information you hold is insignificant. If you feel you cannot speak with the police, then please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers where you can give information 100% anonymously, your call will not be traced.”
Four arrests have been made to date in relation to Bulent’s murder, but they have all have been released with no further action at this time.
Anyone with information in relation to the death of Bulent Kabala can contact the incident room on 020 8785 8099. Alternatively, contact police on 101, or Tweet @MetCC.
Anyone with image or footage that could assist can upload it via the following link: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/0101020118M76-PO1
Those wishing to give information anonymously can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
