Türkiye detains hundreds in crackdown on criminal gang propaganda

Turkish authorities have detained 358 people in a nationwide operation targeting the promotion of criminal gangs on social media. 

The operation was conducted by the General Directorate of Police and the Directorate for Combating Smuggling and Organised Crime, TRT Haber reports.

Investigators said the suspects were involved in posting threats and insults, recruiting new members, and using social media to organise criminal activities. Closed platforms were also used to advertise for “mercenaries” and solicit participation in illegal acts.

Raids across the country led to the seizure of a significant arsenal of weapons, including AK-47 assault rifles, a G1 assault rifle, pistols, and hunting rifles, as well as 11,143 synthetic drug tablets.