4 suspects detained in Istanbul anti-human trafficking ops


A total of four people have been detained in anti-human trafficking operations in Istanbul.

The four suspects, including three foreigners and one Turkish citizens, were closely monitored by units of the Istanbul Police Department's anti-smuggling and organized crimes bureau.

Police units carried out raids at addresses in the districts of Fatih and Şişli March 17, during which the suspects and 10 illegal migrants were detained for "organized human trafficking crimes."

The 10 migrants confessed to illegally entering Turkey and making a deal with the suspect to reach Europe.

A total of 18 passports, including 14 fake ones, 11 identity cards belonging to Chinese citizens, three residence permits belonging to Turkish citizens and €3,000 were confiscated during the raids.

Three of the four suspects were arrested by court after necessary procedures were carried out at the police department, while the 10 illegal migrants were set for deportation.

Over the past years, thousands of migrants have attempted to use Turkey as a transition zone to illegally reach northern and western Europe in hope of a better life.