Istanbul newborn gang trial: Doctors accused of fraud and infant deaths

The trial regarding the ‘newborn gang’ in Istanbul continues, involving 62 defendants, including 10 who are currently detained. The case centers on allegations that a criminal organization, allegedly led by doctors Fırat Sarı and İlker Gönen, manipulated the 112 emergency referral system to direct newborn patients to specific private hospitals for illicit profit.

According to the indictment, the group allegedly exaggerated the medical severity of infants and extended their hospital stays to maximize payments from the Social Security Institution (SGK) and collect extra fees from families. The prosecution claims the primary motive was financial gain rather than patient care, which resulted in the deaths of at least 21 babies.

In recent proceedings at the Bakırköy 22nd High Criminal Court, doctors Rıza Keykubad and Zeki Ötünç were released from detention. The indictment seeks severe penalties for the primary suspects, with potential prison sentences ranging from hundreds of years for charges including negligent homicide, qualified fraud, and establishing a criminal organization.