Türkiye detains 35 members of criminal network in major operation

Authorities in Türkiye have detained 35 individuals suspected of belonging to an organised crime group during a coordinated operation led by the gendarmerie and the prosecutor’s office in the province of Artvin.

The raids were carried out across Artvin, İstanbul, İzmir and Erzurum, involving units focused on smuggling, organised crime, and cybercrime, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

According to investigators, the suspects were engaged in online fraud, allegedly posing as lawyers to deceive citizens, demand money transfers, and threaten those who refused to pay.

As a result of the operation, 28 suspects were formally arrested, while seven others were released under judicial supervision.

Data from Türkiye’s Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) indicates that the group handled a financial turnover of 510 million Turkish lira ($11.33 million).

Authorities also seized assets worth approximately 75 million lira ($1.67 million), including real estate, vehicles, and hundreds of bank accounts. Digital storage devices and documents were also confiscated during searches.

By Jeyhun Aghazada