A total of 178 suspects detained in an Istanbul-led operation targeting 12 “new-generation” organized crime groups across 20 provinces were referred to courthouses on Thursday.
The suspects were detained in simultaneous raids targeting internationally active criminal organizations allegedly involved in crimes including shooting at businesses and robbery using motorcycles.
The operation was conducted by the Istanbul Police Department’s Organized Crime Branch, with support from the Intelligence Branch and coordination with the Istanbul, Bakırköy, Gaziosmanpaşa and Anadolu chief public prosecutors’ offices.
Police initially detained 155 suspects in raids across 20 provinces, while another 23 suspects were apprehended following the operation.
The suspects are accused of offenses including deliberately endangering public safety, damaging property, violating firearms laws and making threats. Some of the groups’ leaders are based abroad and are subject to Red Notices.
Istanbul Police Chief Selami Yıldız said authorities were targeting all levels of the criminal organizations.
“We are dismantling every element of the criminal organizations one by one, from their leaders and managers to their financiers and field networks, not just their hitmen,” Yıldız said.
Searches of the suspects’ addresses uncovered an unlicensed automatic pistol, four pistols, 207 rounds of ammunition, two hunting rifles, 122 grams of drugs and large amounts of cash believed to have been obtained through criminal activities.
Following health checks, the 178 suspects were referred to courthouses for further legal proceedings.
