Türkiye Launches Operations Against 137 Suspects in Four Organized Crime Cases

Turkish authorities have launched legal proceedings against 137 suspects as part of four separate investigations into organized criminal structures in Antalya, Gaziantep, Istanbul and Izmir.

Türkiye’s Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced the operations on September 8, saying the investigations cover crimes including qualified fraud, laundering of criminal proceeds, illegal betting and international drug trafficking.

Eight Suspects Detained in Antalya Fraud Investigation

In Antalya, authorities targeted an organized group allegedly involved in fraud against businesses.

According to the investigation, the suspects initially conducted regular commercial activities and gained trust in the market. They then allegedly obtained goods worth millions of Turkish lira from businesses in exchange for post-dated checks.

The goods were allegedly sold at below-market prices before the checks reached their maturity dates. Eight suspects were detained as part of the Antalya operation.

Gaziantep Investigation Involves More Than 122 Billion TL in Transactions

In Gaziantep, authorities carried out an operation against 33 suspects allegedly involved in the illegal movement of foreign currency.

According to the Justice Ministry, the suspects are believed to have illegally brought foreign currency into Türkiye from abroad and then transferred funds back overseas through individuals, businesses and companies.

Investigators identified more than 122 billion Turkish lira in account activity between 2021 and 2026. The investigation covers allegations related to smuggling, laundering of criminal proceeds, document forgery and tax offenses.

58 Suspects Targeted in Istanbul Illegal Betting Case

In Istanbul, legal proceedings were launched against 58 suspects allegedly connected to an illegal betting network.

Authorities said the organization allegedly encouraged people to participate in illegal betting, accepted bets online and used payment panels integrated with illegal betting websites.

During searches, law enforcement officers seized numerous digital devices and other equipment allegedly used in the illegal betting operation.

Assets Worth Around 1 Billion TL Seized in Izmir

In Izmir, authorities launched proceedings against 38 suspects allegedly linked to an organized criminal group reportedly managed from Belgium and involved in international drug trafficking.

Authorities carried out seizure procedures involving assets believed to have been obtained through criminal activity. These included:

• 87 properties;
• 18 vehicles;
• 4 private boats;
• shares in 14 companies;
• bank accounts and other assets.

The total value of the assets was estimated at approximately 1 billion Turkish lira.

Four Investigations Across Türkiye

The coordinated operations were carried out under the direction of the chief public prosecutors’ offices in Antalya, Gaziantep, Istanbul and Izmir.

The Justice Ministry said the investigations are targeting not only alleged members of criminal organizations but also the financial gains, companies and assets connected to suspected criminal activity.

The investigations are ongoing, and the suspects remain subject to legal proceedings. The allegations described by the authorities have not been established as final convictions.