Türkiye detains 216 in nationwide crackdown on organised crime

Turkish authorities have detained 216 people in a nationwide operation targeting the online promotion of organised crime and the recruitment of individuals through social media and messaging platforms.

According to the Turkish Ministry of the Interior, the coordinated operation was carried out across 52 provinces. It involved the General Directorate of Security (EGM), the Directorate for Combating Smuggling and Organised Crime, the National Intelligence Organisation (MİT), the Intelligence Department, the Cybercrime Department, and local Chief Public Prosecutors' Offices, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

Investigators allege that the suspects created groups on messaging applications and social media platforms to recruit individuals to commit crimes and facilitate criminal activities.

The Ministry of the Interior said the suspects also distributed content glorifying organised crime figures, posted threats, promoted criminal organisations and sought to move conflicts between rival criminal groups into the digital sphere.

According to the ministry, the online activities were aimed at normalising criminal behaviour among young people and encouraging them to become involved in organised crime.

By Sabina Mammadli