Istanbul police detain 155 in 20-province raid on new-generation crime groups

September 14, 2026 at 11:59 AM2 min

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Istanbul police detained 155 suspects in simultaneous raids across 20 provinces targeting 12 new-generation organized crime groups. The operation, coordinated with four chief public prosecutors' offices, seized unlicensed firearms, ammunition, drugs, and a large amount of cash. Ankara police separately detained 74 suspects linked to the same type of networks.

Key Facts

Istanbul police detained 155 suspects in simultaneous raids across 20 provinces targeting 12 new-generation organized crime groups.
The operation was coordinated with the Istanbul, Bakırköy, Gaziosmanpaşa, and Anadolu chief public prosecutors' offices.
Seized items included an unlicensed automatic pistol, 4 pistols, 207 bullets, 2 hunting rifles, 122 grams of drugs, and a large amount of cash.
Ankara police separately detained 74 suspects linked to new-generation crime groups, with 114 suspects identified and 1 found to be in prison.
Ankara raids seized 9 pistols with magazines, 3 pump-action shotguns, 2 cutting weapons, and 45 drug pills.

Istanbul Operation

Istanbul Police Department's Organized Crime Branch, with Intelligence Branch support, targeted 12 new-generation organized crime groups. The groups were involved in motorcycle shootings at businesses, robbery, endangering public safety, property damage, weapons violations, and threats. Leaders of the groups are abroad, and some have Interpol red notices for their arrest. Police identified members' identities and addresses before launching simultaneous raids in 20 provinces centered on Istanbul. The 155 detained suspects are being processed at police stations.

Ankara Operation

Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office coordinated the operation by Ankara Police's Organized Crime Branch against new-generation crime groups. Police identified 114 suspects linked to the groups and assessed that they spread propaganda on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. The prosecutor's office ordered detention of all 114 suspects; 74 were detained and 1 was found to be in prison. Searches seized 9 pistols with magazines, 3 pump-action shotguns, 2 cutting weapons, and 45 drug pills. The investigation continues to apprehend the remaining suspects.