Istanbul gang uses armed attacks and symbolic threats to extort millions

An indictment prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has detailed the extortion tactics used by a criminal organization known as the ‘Şapkalılar’ (The Hatters) in the Nişantaşı district of Istanbul.

According to the indictment, gang leader Volkan Ramazan Ayhan targeted business owners B. V. and S. V., demanding a ‘fine’ of 10 million euros. When the victims did not comply, the group escalated from phone threats and menacing text messages to multiple armed attacks. The gang targeted four separate locations, including B. V.’s workplace, a relative’s parked vehicle, a restaurant in Beşiktaş, and a family residence.

The group also employed psychological intimidation tactics. On January 12, 2026, the gang sent a ‘lokma’ (traditional dessert) vehicle to the front of the victims' business in Nişantaşı. The vehicle’s electronic sign displayed the message: ‘Fatiha for the late S. V.’, a symbolic gesture implying the victim's death.