Major anti-crime operation in Türkiye leads to dozens of arrests

In a law enforcement operation across Türkiye, authorities have dismantled four major organized crime groups (OCGs), leading to the detention of 79 individuals. The operation, which was carried out last week, targeted criminal networks operating in Istanbul, Ankara, Adana, and Van.

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya provided details of the crackdown through a post on social media platform X, outlining the details of the successful operation, Caliber.Az reports.

⛔️ İstanbul’da B.G.’nin (yurt dışında tutuklu)
⛔️ Ankara’da A.A.’nın,
⛔️ Adana’da A.S.’nin,
⛔️ Van’da O.Y.’nin elebaşılığını yaptığı 4 ayrı Organize Suç Örgütüne yönelik geçen hafta düzenlediğimiz operasyonlarımızda;

➡️ A.A., A.S. ve O.Y. isimli elebaşlarının da içerisinde… pic.twitter.com/Mmp8zbap6C

— Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) March 17, 2025

The groups, identified by their respective leaders—BG in Istanbul (currently detained abroad), AA in Ankara, AS in Adana, and OY in Van—had been under investigation for various illegal activities, including drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and organized violence.

The coordinated raids, conducted across multiple provinces, resulted in the seizure of unregistered firearms and substantial quantities of illicit drugs. Authorities have confirmed that these operations were the culmination of extensive intelligence gathering and operational measures aimed at neutralizing the criminal networks.

Minister Yerlikaya expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing that the operation not only targeted individuals but also dismantled the underlying structures of organized crime, which have been a significant challenge to public safety and security in the country.

By Vafa Guliyeva