28.08.2025 21:39
Following President Erdoğan's statement, "We will ride over anyone who sees themselves as superior to the state," simultaneous operations were conducted in 10 districts of Istanbul targeting criminal gangs involved in threats, looting, and shootings. 29 suspects were apprehended and taken into custody. A large number of weapons were seized during the searches.
```html
President Erdoğan stated, "We will resolutely continue our fight against street gangs, criminal organizations, and drug traffickers within the framework of the law. We will come down hard on anyone who sees themselves as superior to the state, the law, and the fundamental values that constitute society." Following these remarks, operations targeting gangs were conducted in 10 districts of Istanbul.
29 PEOPLE DETAINED
In operations against criminal gangs involved in threats, extortion, and shootings over the past 10 days, 29 suspects were detained. A large number of handguns, hundreds of bullets, and materials used in crimes were seized during the operations.
ARMORY SEIZED
An operation was carried out against suspects involved in shootings for extortion, as well as threats and robbery incidents, by the Istanbul Public Order Branch. Raids were conducted at identified addresses in Küçükçekmece, Bakırköy, Arnavutköy, Esenyurt, Beyoğlu, Bağcılar, Beylikdüzü, Sancaktepe, Şişli, and Eyüpsultan districts. During the raids, 29 suspects were detained, and 17 handguns, 225 bullets, 2 helmets, 2 jackets, and 1 bulletproof vest were seized. Additionally, 23,400 Turkish Lira and 200 Euros were confiscated at the addresses. It was reported that 16 of these individuals were arrested after being brought to court, while proceedings for the other suspects are ongoing.
"WE ARE RESOLUTELY CONTINUING OUR FIGHT AGAINST CRIMINAL GANGS"
Visiting the Public Order Branch to examine the seized criminal elements, Istanbul Police Chief Selami Yıldız stated, "In the last 10 days, under operations against motorcycle criminal gangs involved in threats, extortion, and shootings in our 10 districts, 29 individuals have been detained. 16 individuals have been arrested, and judicial proceedings for 13 individuals are ongoing. As a result of the operations, one spare steel and 17 handguns have been seized. We are resolutely continuing our fight against all criminal groups, regardless of whether they are old or new, and against motorcycle criminal gangs. Yesterday, we shared the successful efforts of our organized crime branch. Today, we are at the public order branch. We are working 24/7 for a peaceful and secure Istanbul," he said.
44% DECREASE IN SHOOTING INCIDENTS
On the other hand, it was noted that there has been a 44% decrease in shooting incidents carried out for extortion compared to a year ago. Additionally, it was reported that 206 social media accounts identified as being used by criminal organizations to recruit new members have been closed.
```