Istanbul prosecutors charge 51 children in ‘Casperlar’ crime group investigation

The Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has completed an investigation into the child wing of the criminal organization known as ‘Casperlar’. An indictment has been prepared against 51 children, 30 of whom are currently in custody, involving 17 different charges.

The investigation covers 22 separate incidents across various Istanbul districts, including Avcılar, Bağcılar, Bahçelievler, Bakırköy, Esenler, Esenyurt, Fatih, Kadıköy, Küçükçekmece, Sultangazi, Şişli, and Ümraniye. The indictment includes allegations of membership in a criminal organization, propaganda for the group, endangering public safety, property damage, attempted murder, and the illegal possession or transport of firearms.

The ‘Casperlar’ organization is allegedly led by İsmail Atız, known by the code name ‘Hamuş’. Previous investigations into the group have linked members to crimes such as looting, intentional injury, threats, drug trafficking, prostitution, and deprivation of liberty.