Turkey: Digital platforms used as marketplaces for organized crime

New-generation organized crime groups in Turkey are utilizing digital platforms, specifically Telegram and Signal, to operate what functions as a digital marketplace for criminal activities. Investigations have revealed that these groups engage in explicit price negotiations for various crimes, including murder, armed assault, and shooting at establishments.

According to reported communications, murder prices range from 700,000 to 7 million Turkish Liras, while armed assaults can cost as little as 10,000 Liras. Some groups even compete on price, with members criticizing others for being too expensive. These networks offer services across all 81 provinces of Turkey and include logistics such as weapon procurement and video recording of attacks to provide proof to clients.

The digital marketplace extends beyond physical violence. It includes advertisements for human trafficking, the sale of weapons, explosives, and signal jammers, as well as cybercrimes like WhatsApp hacking and account closures. Additionally, these groups are involved in money laundering through cryptocurrency exchanges, often selling digital assets significantly below market value to facilitate illicit transfers.