Turkish authorities detained 26 suspects in an Istanbul-led operation targeting alleged organized crime, prostitution, obscenity and drug-related offenses, according to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office on Sunday.
The operation, coordinated by the prosecutor’s office and dubbed “Family Safety,” was conducted as part of an investigation involving six LGBTİ+ associations, the office said in a statement.
Technical and physical surveillance was carried out by the Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command and the Organized Crime and Cybercrime branches of the Istanbul Police Department. Authorities also evaluated witness statements and reports received during the investigation.
The prosecutor’s office said investigators had obtained evidence indicating that children and underage young people were allegedly being directed on issues concerning sexual orientation and gender identity without their age and developmental levels being taken into consideration.
According to the statement, investigators identified associations allegedly involved in such activities, along with individuals and groups believed to finance them.
Authorities also identified individuals allegedly involved in exploitation under the guise of “paid social companionship services” and businesses suspected of providing venues for unlawful activities under the guise of entertainment establishments.
The prosecutor’s office said the operation was carried out under relevant legal provisions, particularly Article 41 of the Turkish Constitution, citing the protection of children’s best interests, the family institution and society’s shared moral values.
Search, detention and seizure procedures targeting 38 suspects were carried out at 38 addresses across 12 provinces, including Istanbul, Ankara, Çanakkale, Izmir, Antalya, Ordu, Elazığ, Balıkesir, Aydın, Kırşehir, Iğdır and Hatay.
Authorities also conducted operations on Sept. 12 and 13 at 54 workplaces, homes and associations, including 10 businesses operating in Istanbul.
The operation resulted in the seizure of 25 grams of narcotic and stimulant substances, 10 grams of cocaine, 9 grams of cannabis and 10 synthetic pills believed to be narcotics, according to the prosecutor’s office.
Authorities also seized syringes and needles, 2,000 bottles of illicit alcohol, one unlicensed handgun, five camera recording devices and 26 mobile phones.
Twenty-six suspects were detained, while efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects were continuing, the statement said.
One business was also sealed for allegedly operating in violation of its license.
