Turkish police seize $17 million in assets in Hells Angels-linked crime probe

01 May 2026 12:45

An Istanbul-based police operation across three provinces has led to the detention of five suspects and the seizure of assets worth an estimated 780 million lira ($17.2 million), authorities said, in a case targeting an organised crime network led by “Hells Angels” leader Coşkun Necati Arabacı.

The Istanbul Police Department’s Anti-Narcotics Unit, working under the coordination of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, said its investigation focused on a group allegedly involved in drug trafficking and serious violent offences, including torture and murder, stemming from internal disputes over illicit trade, TRT Haber reports.

Investigators also said the network collected regular payments to fund its organisational activities and operational structure.

Simultaneous raids were carried out in Istanbul, İzmir and Tunceli following the identification of suspects and addresses. Five individuals were detained during the operation.

Police additionally seized assets believed to be linked to criminal proceeds, including 22 properties, seven motor vehicles, and shares in eight companies, with a total estimated value of 780 million lira (around 17.2 million US dollars).

The suspects have been taken into police custody for further processing.

On October 7, 2025, Turkish authorities detained Coşkun Necati Arabacı, the head of the “Hells Angels” organised crime group, during a security operation in the western city of İzmir.

Arabacı was identified after travelling from Belgrade, Serbia, to İzmir’s Adnan Menderes Airport on 5 October and was taken into custody by officers from the provincial police organised crime unit. Officials said his interrogation was ongoing.

Authorities said Arabacı has a criminal record dating back to the early 2000s. He was arrested in Germany in 2002 on charges including human trafficking, extortion and weapons offences, and sentenced to nine years in prison. During his incarceration, investigators also linked him to a foiled plot to assassinate a prosecutor, though he later avoided punishment on that charge due to legal technicalities.

After his release, he reportedly rose within the “Hells Angels”, becoming president of the Nomads Türkiye chapter in 2010 and later emerging as a contender for leadership within the group’s European network.

By Aghakazim Guliyev

Caliber.Az

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