# Organized crime investigations in Turkey

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/organized-crime-investigations-in-turkey
> Updated: 2026-10-19T06:01:43.000Z. Sources: 37. Developments: 3.

Authorities in Turkey are investigating separate instances of organized crime involving large-scale fraud.

In Eskişehir, an organized loan shark ring operating through a vehicle dealership is under investigation for allegedly defrauding local tradespeople of 80 to 90 million lira. The group reportedly targeted small business owners by providing initial cash support before exponentially increasing debts. Victims and their legal representative, attorney Tenzile Samut, have reported facing severe intimidation, including threats of arson, shootings, and kidnapping.

In Adana, police dismantled a network accused of defrauding 17 insurance companies through staged traffic accidents between 2022 and 2026. The syndicate used pre-damaged vehicles and fraudulent accident reports to obtain illegal compensation. Following investigations involving surveillance and financial data, authorities detained 77 suspects during simultaneous raids. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced that 88 suspects are facing legal proceedings in connection with the operation.

Additionally, a separate investigation triggered by a CİMER report uncovered an illegal egg trading ring operating across Turkey, Northern Cyprus, Albania, and Georgia. The network allegedly recruited women to sell eggs to fertility clinics abroad, purchasing them for 60 to 80 euros and reselling them for approximately 100 euros. This illicit trade reportedly generated an estimated 2 million euros in revenue. A coordinated operation across 14 provinces resulted in the detention of 39 suspects, including doctors, organizers, and donors.

## Claims

- 36 suspects were detained during simultaneous operations across 14 provinces, including Istanbul. (disputed by 20 sources)
- Legal proceedings were initiated against 53 suspects, with 36 being detained. (disputed by 10 sources)
- Simultaneous operations were carried out across 12 provinces, centered in Ankara. (disputed by 5 sources)
- Legal proceedings were initiated against 88 suspects in an operation centered in Adana. (disputed by 5 sources)
- 77 suspects were detained during the simultaneous operations. (disputed by 5 sources)
- The investigation is being conducted by the Istanbul Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. (corroborated by 21 sources)
- A total of 41 women sold eggs 811 times as part of the illegal trade. (corroborated by 20 sources)
- Justice Minister Akın Gürlek stated that the government will not allow criminal structures to profit from the human body. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- The operation involved 53 suspects, including 1 gang leader, 5 managers, 41 donor women, 2 doctors, and 4 travel organizers. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- The investigation was initiated following a report through CİMER. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- The illegal reproductive cell trade has links to Turkey, Northern Cyprus, Albania, and Georgia. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- Organizers reportedly bought eggs from women for 60 to 80 euros and sold them to clinics for approximately 100 euros. (corroborated by 7 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-19: Turkish authorities dismantle insurance fraud and illegal egg trade rings

Turkish authorities have dismantled organized crime rings involved in staging insurance fraud via fake accidents and running an illegal international egg trading network involving 41 women.

33 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alihan-kuri-criminal-organization-investigation-leads-to-22-detentions

### 2026-10-18: Adana police dismantle insurance fraud ring using staged accidents

Police in Adana detained 77 suspects for operating an organized crime ring that used staged accidents to defraud 17 insurance companies of millions of liras.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/adana-police-dismantle-insurance-fraud-ring-using-staged-accidents

### 2026-10-13: Eskişehir organized loan shark ring accused of 90 million lira fraud

An organized crime ring in Eskişehir, Turkey, allegedly used a fake car dealership to defraud tradespeople of up to 90 million lira through predatory loans and intimidation.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eskiehir-organized-loan-shark-ring-accused-of-90-million-lira-fraud

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Cite as: Organized crime investigations in Turkey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/organized-crime-investigations-in-turkey