Case Profile: Ullubeygadzhi Khasbulatov

Summary

Ullubeygadzhi Khasbulatov, aged 50 years old, is a refugee in the UK. Shortly after arriving, he applied for asylum because he feared persecution by the Russian authorities due to his religious beliefs and their treatment of Muslims. He has been living in the UK since 2011 and now has indefinite leave to remain status.

Ullubeygadzhi has built his life and career in the UK and is a husband and father of four children. Prior to his detention, he worked as a wrestling coach and supported his family.

Before he became ill and underwent surgery, Ullubeykadzhi continued to work actively as a freestyle wrestling coach and fitness trainer. Working with children was an important part of his life and professional career. He always took his responsibilities towards his students seriously and tried to help them develop and achieve their goals.

Ullubeykadzhi is a deeply family-oriented person. His family and children have always been at the centre of his life. He has played an active role in raising his four children, spending a great deal of time with them, taking an interest in their lives, supporting their development, and always trying to be present for them. To his children, he has been not only a father but also someone close to them — a person they could turn to for help, support, and advice.

Detention

On 5 April 2026, while returning home to London after undergoing surgery, he was travelling in transit through Sabiha Gökçen Airport in Istanbul, where he was detained by the Turkish authorities.

According to the information currently available to the defence, the investigation appears to be based solely on an allegation that he resembles a man from Iraq who, according to official Iraqi government authorities, was killed during a counter-terrorism operation in 2022. Despite this, Ullubeykadzhi has had to remain in Turkey under a travel ban for almost seven months.

Throughout the investigation, no evidence has been presented linking him to terrorism or to any criminal activity. Apart from the alleged physical resemblance, no other accusations have been made against him. Even the court-ordered forensic facial comparison concluded that he and the Iraqi individual were not the same person.

Health

As a result of the prolonged investigation, Ullubeykadzhi has been unable to return home to his family, resume his work, or complete the mandatory medical follow-up and rehabilitation required after surgery. His health has deteriorated, and the ongoing uncertainty has placed severe psychological, emotional, and financial strain on both him and his family.

While being prevented from leaving Turkey, he has lost over 10kg due to being unable to facilitate his recovery plan.

Ullubeykadzhi is currently in the city of Yalova. He still needs medical assistance, which he is currently not receiving. He is also not receiving the medication he needs, although he is currently supposed to be taking prescribed tablets. The area of the operation is still causing him discomfort, and he needs to be examined by the doctor who performed his surgery. 

Impact

His prolonged absence has been extremely difficult for the entire family. The children have been forced to live without the familiar presence of their father, who has always been an important part of their everyday lives. They worry about his absence and are eagerly waiting for the day when he is finally able to travel and they can see him at home again. For someone who has always been close to his children and actively involved in their lives, being separated from his family against his will has been particularly difficult.