Türkish authorities uncover 20 billion lira money laundering schemes, 15 arrested video

Türkiye's Ministry of the Interior has targeted an organized criminal group accused of laundering approximately 20 billion Turkish lira in a major operation dubbed Hücre-9.

The operation in Antalya resulted in the detention of 15 individuals suspected of being members of a criminal syndicate, as confirmed by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya on the social media platform X, Caliber.Az reports.

Antalya’da D.C.’nin elebaşılığını yaptığı Organize Suç Örgütüne yönelik Jandarma tarafından düzenlenen “HÜCRE-9” operasyonunda 15 şüpheli yakalandı.❗️

⛔️ Örgütün, yaklaşık 20 Milyar TL’yi “HAWALA” yöntemini kullanarak kara para aklama amacıyla yurt içi ve yurt dışı örgüt… pic.twitter.com/Luj3Fqi3mD

— Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) February 7, 2025

"The investigation revealed that the organization transferred nearly 20 billion Turkish lira to accounts belonging to both domestic and foreign branches using the HAWALA method, a traditional system for transferring money without banks."

Authorities have seized several properties during the investigation, including four residential buildings, two commercial properties, eight land plots, and 13 vehicles.

"Numerous documents, confirming ownership rights, as well as computers and digital materials, were confiscated during the operation," added Yerlikaya.

The authorities have acted swiftly, taking significant steps to dismantle the criminal network involved in such illicit financial activities. The operation remains ongoing as investigations continue.

By Aghakazim Guliyev