# Extortion activities by criminal groups in Istanbul > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/extortion-activities-by-criminal-groups-in-istanbul > Updated: 2026-10-03T18:13:57.000Z. Sources: 36. Developments: 2. In September 2026, an indictment from the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office detailed extortion tactics used by the ‘Şapkalılar’ (The Hatters) criminal organization in the Nişantaşı district. The group, led by Volkan Ramazan Ayhan, allegedly targeted business owners for a ‘fine’ of 10 million euros. Tactics included armed attacks on workplaces and residences, as well as psychological intimidation, such as using a dessert vehicle to display a symbolic message implying a victim's death. By October 2026, Istanbul authorities launched a separate operation against the ‘Çirkinler’ armed criminal organization following extortion attempts against the owners of Zen Pırlanta. Coordinated by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, the investigation revealed that the group used international phone numbers to send threats, including claims they would blow up the victims' vehicles. The group also reportedly intimidated victim Mehmet Diribaş by providing his personal information to hotel staff at his place of residence. Following an operation by the Istanbul Police Department's Organized Crime Branch, five suspects were detained. During searches, police seized narcotics, precision scales, and digital evidence containing organizational correspondence related to the extortion attempts. The suspects have been referred to the courthouse with requests for arrest on charges including membership in an organized crime group and qualified robbery. ## Claims - Eight suspects have been arrested in connection with the judicial bribery investigation. (disputed by 13 sources) - The five suspects have been referred to a judge with a request for arrest. (disputed by 3 sources) - The Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating an organized criminal structure in Istanbul. (corroborated by 13 sources) - Five judges and prosecutors have been suspended from duty. (corroborated by 13 sources) - The investigation covers illegal interference in judicial processes between 2022 and 2024. (corroborated by 13 sources) - A case involving İYİ Party MP Lütfü Türkkan has been separated and sent to the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. (corroborated by 13 sources) - Two judicial members currently abroad are wanted by authorities. (corroborated by 13 sources) - Former Istanbul 4th Enforcement Law Court Judge B. K. has been arrested for bribery. (corroborated by 13 sources) - The investigation includes allegations of bribery involving millions of Turkish Liras. (corroborated by 13 sources) - The 'Çirkinler' organization demanded 1 million euros from Mehmet Diribaş via threatening messages. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Police detained five suspects in connection with the extortion and threats against Zen Pırlanta owners. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Authorities seized drugs and precision scales during searches of the suspects' residences. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-03: Istanbul judicial bribery probe leads to arrests and suspensions Istanbul authorities have arrested eight suspects and suspended five judges and prosecutors in a major investigation into organized bribery and judicial interference occurring between 2022 and 2024. 34 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zen-prlanta-owners-targeted-in-extortion-by-irkinler-gang ### 2026-09-07: Istanbul gang uses armed attacks and symbolic threats to extort millions The ‘Şapkalılar’ gang in Istanbul used extortion, armed attacks, and psychological threats, including a symbolic dessert vehicle, to demand 10 million euros from local business owners. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/istanbul-gang-uses-armed-attacks-and-symbolic-threats-to-extort-millions --- Cite as: Extortion activities by criminal groups in Istanbul. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/extortion-activities-by-criminal-groups-in-istanbul