[REVISION HISTORY]

Turkish law enforcement operations against organized crime

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2026-09-05 09:39 UTC → 2026-09-05 16:42 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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