# Turkish law enforcement operations against organized crime > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-law-enforcement-operations-against-organized-crime > Updated: 2026-09-04T09:11:00.000Z. Sources: 58. Developments: 3. Turkish authorities have conducted a series of large-scale law enforcement operations targeting various criminal activities, ranging from organized crime syndicates to targeted fraud rings. In mid-August, the Istanbul and Adana Chief Public Prosecutor's Offices launched extensive financial investigations into several organized crime groups, including the Daltonlar, Gündoğmuşlar, Şapkalılar, Barış Boyun, and Kuytulcular groups. These operations involved the seizure of bank accounts, real estate, crypto assets, and company shares belonging to hundreds of suspects. Investigators also identified the use of a secret communication application called ‘Glooper’ to facilitate criminal activities. The Ministry of Justice stated these measures were intended to “sever the financial lifelines” of these organizations. By early September, police operations shifted focus toward dismantling fraud rings that specifically targeted elderly citizens through impersonation tactics. A major investigation centered in Tekirdağ dismantled a syndicate that defrauded 426 citizens of 994 million TL using fake investment applications, resulting in 20 arrests. Recent developments include raids against ‘new generation’ crime groups in Antalya and Kayseri. These groups reportedly used social media to promote violence and crime. In Kayseri, an operation against the ‘Şirinler’ group, which was linked to 89 criminal acts including threats, robbery, and attempted murder, led to 32 detentions, while operations in Antalya resulted in 10 detentions. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek emphasized that the government will not permit structures that attempt to “normalize violence or recruit youth into criminal networks.” Law enforcement has also targeted municipal corruption. An investigation into tender irregularities at the Bolu Municipality, specifically regarding vehicle rental and garbage collection services, has led to the arrest of suspended Mayor Tanju Özcan and Deputy Mayor Gülden Özaydın. The probe involves allegations of ‘phantom shifts’ where falsified records allegedly secured approximately 34.3 million TL in improper payments. ## Claims - Eight suspects were released under judicial control. (disputed by 9 sources) - Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan has been arrested in connection with the investigation. (disputed by 8 sources) - A total of seven suspects, including municipal officials and company representatives, have been arrested. (disputed by 7 sources) - The Bolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office is conducting an investigation into irregularities in vehicle rental tenders at Bolu Municipality. (corroborated by 10 sources) - An expert report claims garbage collection vehicles were recorded as working on days they were actually inactive. (corroborated by 10 sources) - The investigation alleges that 34,288,376.61 TL in excess and improper payments were made to the MCY-Yeşilçam partnership. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Bolu Deputy Mayor Gülden Özaydın was arrested. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The investigation initially led to the detention of 22 suspects across seven provinces. (corroborated by 4 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-04: Turkey conducts major operations against crime and corruption Turkish authorities conducted widespread operations against organized crime, municipal corruption in Bolu, a 994 million TL social media fraud scheme, and drug trafficking networks. 52 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-authorities-dismantle-multiple-organized-crime-syndicates ### 2026-09-01: Turkey police disrupt major phone fraud rings targeting gold Turkish police have disrupted multiple organized fraud rings using impersonation tactics to steal millions in gold and jewelry from elderly victims across Afyonkarahisar, Yalova, and Istanbul. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-arrests-suspect-in-72-million-lira-gold-fraud ### 2026-08-17: Turkey targets organized crime groups with massive asset seizures Turkish authorities have seized assets from 818 suspects linked to four major crime groups and taken legal action against 32 individuals in the 'Kuytulcular' investigation, targeting money laundering and fraud. 66 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alihan-kuri-arrested-in-turkish-organized-crime-investigation --- Cite as: Turkish law enforcement operations against organized crime. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-law-enforcement-operations-against-organized-crime