Türkiye detains nearly 200 suspects in nationwide crackdown on organised crime

Turkish authorities have carried out a large-scale operation targeting organised crime networks across 16 provinces, detaining 198 suspects, according to the Interior Ministry.

State broadcaster TRT Haber reported that 105 of those detained have been formally arrested following the coordinated raids.

The Interior Ministry said the operation involved the gendarmerie, organised crime and cybercrime units, public prosecutors, and the Financial Crimes Investigation Board, known as MASAK. Investigators estimate the total volume of suspicious financial transactions linked to the network at around 3.5 billion Turkish lira ( $78 million).

Authorities allege that members of the group were involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including investment fraud schemes, extortion, drug trafficking, illegal gambling, document forgery, arms smuggling, and usury.

As part of the investigation, courts ordered the seizure of 24 properties and 16 vehicles, while more than 1,000 bank accounts were frozen. Police also confiscated cash, narcotics, and digital evidence.

Officials said operations against organized crime groups will continue “without compromise.”

By Sabina Mammadli