Türkiye detains 19 members of “virtual gangs” in Ankara crackdown

Turkish police have detained 19 people in Ankara during an operation targeting so-called “virtual gangs” accused of posting weapons-related content on social media and attempting to intimidate rival groups online.

The operation was carried out under the coordination of the General Prosecutor’s Office, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

Investigators handling crimes against individuals identified groups that used social media platforms to stage armed “challenges” and displays of force aimed at projecting power and threatening competitors.

Following technical and physical surveillance in several districts of the capital, including Altindag, authorities conducted simultaneous raids.

Police said some of those detained had previously faced charges related to intentional bodily harm, threats, illegal weapons possession and drug-related crimes.

The suspects allegedly shared videos on social media featuring illegal firearms in an effort to expand their influence in their neighbourhoods and intimidate rival groups.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov