Turkish drug and organized crime investigations

Turkish authorities have conducted multiple detentions as part of investigations into drug trafficking and related activities.

In mid-September, Aliye Nilperi Vatandost, partner of Vatan Plastik founder Behruz Vatandost, was detained during a probe involving drug trafficking and prostitution. The investigation has highlighted Vatandost’s previous associations, including a 2019 meeting with former AK Party lawmaker Burhan Kuzu and Iranian drug lord Naci Şerifi Zindaşti. Vatandost previously claimed she had severed ties with Zindaşti after discovering his illegal activities and had filed a criminal complaint against him.

By late September, the investigations expanded to include political figures. Nejat Türktaş, the Konya Provincial Chair of the Yeni Parti and former Republican People's Party (CHP) leader in Ereğli, was detained during a multi-province operation centered in Ankara. Following a search of his residence in Konya, Türktaş was transferred to Ankara for questioning.

Concurrently, the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched a bribery investigation involving Mustafa Erdem, a Yeni Parti Member of Parliament for Antalya. Conducted by the Bureau of Smuggling, Narcotics, and Economic Crimes, the probe follows allegations of a $5 million payment. Digital evidence reportedly suggests the funds were intended to facilitate legal processes for Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Muhittin Böcek, specifically regarding medical reports for house arrest. Erdem has denied the allegations, stating he sought legal guidance through intermediaries but refused any requests for money and instead received threatening messages.