Crime syndicate leader captured in Pülümür Valley

Turkish authorities have captured a crime syndicate leader, identified as C. S., during a specialized operation in the Pülümür Valley. The arrest was part of the ‘Sokaklar Güvende’ (Streets are Safe) initiative coordinated by the Tunceli Chief Public Prosecutor's Office to combat organized crime.

C. S. was wanted for several offenses, including armed threats, intentional injury, and escaping from prison, carrying a finalized prison sentence of over 14 years. After failing to be located during an initial raid on September 14, law enforcement shifted focus to the rugged, forested terrain of the valley.

The operation involved Police Special Operations (PÖH), Gendarmerie Special Operations (JÖH), and Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime (KOM) teams. Due to the difficult geography, authorities utilized Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and thermal imaging cameras. Using thermal detection to locate heat signatures in the forest, teams intercepted C. S. and an accomplice, T. G., who was allegedly assisting in the fugitive's escape. The suspects were apprehended while attempting to flee and were escorted through a river to reach a secure area.