Dozens behind bars as Türkiye dismantles major crime operation

Turkish authorities have conducted a major crackdown on organized crime, detaining 109 suspects across 12 provinces and uncovering financial transactions totaling 438 million Turkish lira, official sources confirmed.

The General Command of the Gendarmerie confirmed that the operation was carried out in close coordination with the public prosecutor’s office and specialized units targeting smuggling, organized crime, and cybercrime. The efforts focused on 15 distinct criminal networks, TRT Haber reports.

Of the 109 individuals apprehended, 61 have been remanded in custody, 38 placed under judicial supervision, and investigations continue for the remaining suspects. Charges leveled against them include migrant smuggling, human trafficking, usury, fraud, organized robbery, and illicit drug trafficking.

Authorities noted that the suspects—whose bank accounts revealed transactions amounting to 438 million Turkish lira—operated in Aydın, Gaziantep, Diyarbakır, Kırklareli, Manisa, Van, İzmir, Bolu, Şanlıurfa, Denizli, Antalya, and Ankara.

In addition, the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) reported the seizure of substantial movable and immovable assets from the suspects as part of an ongoing money laundering probe.

By Vafa Guliyeva