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Extortion activities by criminal groups in Istanbul
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2026-10-03 23:54 UTC → 2026-10-04 13:32 UTC ·
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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. The Coordinated by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, the investigation revealed that the group reportedly demanded between 1 million and 2 million euros, using threats against used international phone numbers to send threats, including claims they would blow up the victims' children and vehicles. During 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 investigation, police arrested Istanbul Police Department's Organized Crime Branch, five suspects and were detained. During searches, police seized narcotics narcotics, precision scales, and digital materials evidence containing organizational correspondence related to the organization's activities. 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.
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- 2026-10-04 13:32 UTC Extortion activities by criminal groups in Istanbul
- 2026-10-03 23:54 UTC Extortion activities by criminal groups in Istanbul
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