Antalya prosecutors detain 7 in third wave of prostitution and drug probe

September 1, 2026 at 05:12 PM2 min

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Antalya prosecutors detained seven suspects in simultaneous raids across Antalya and Istanbul on September 1, 2026, in the third wave of an investigation into prostitution facilitation and drug offenses. The operation follows the earlier arrest of Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Youth Center manager Tuğçe Güney and expands the probe through her alleged connections. The case file now includes new allegations against suspended mayor Muhittin Böcek, including claims that 11 young women were coerced into sexual relations with him in exchange for municipal jobs.

Key Facts

Seven suspects were detained in simultaneous operations in Antalya and Istanbul on September 1, 2026, as part of the third wave of the investigation.
The investigation covers charges of promoting prostitution, facilitating it, providing premises, and drug-related offenses.
Tuğçe Güney, the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Youth Center manager, was arrested in an earlier phase of the probe, and four people were identified as organizers alongside her.
The case file includes victim statements alleging that 11 young women were directed to have sexual relations with suspended mayor Muhittin Böcek under the promise of employment, with most later hired by municipal subsidiaries.
The alleged network is said to have operated systematically since 2021.

Third Wave Operation

The Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor's Office Organized Crime Investigation Bureau carried out the third wave of operations on September 1, 2026. Seven suspects were identified during the investigation, with six residing in Antalya and one in Istanbul. Simultaneous operations were conducted in both cities, and all seven suspects were taken into custody. The suspects are expected to be referred to the Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor's Office after police procedures.

Güney Connection and Network

In the previous phase of the investigation, Tuğçe Güney, the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Youth Center manager, was arrested. The case file indicates that four people, including Güney, acted as organizers. Güney reportedly refused to provide her phone password, and the investigation was expanded based on other evidence and connections. The suspects detained in the latest operation were identified through examinations and findings linked to Güney's connections. The alleged structure is claimed to have operated systematically since 2021.

Allegations Against Böcek

New allegations and statements concerning Muhittin Böcek, who was arrested and removed from his post as Antalya Metropolitan Municipality mayor, have entered the case file. According to findings and statements in the file, 11 young women were allegedly directed to have sexual relations with Böcek under the promise of employment. Most of these individuals were later hired by municipal subsidiaries, the file claims. The investigation file also contains victim statements alleging group sexual intercourse, relations with two sisters, and involvement with underage girls by Böcek.