22.11.2025 09:05
New generation gang structures continue to use social media as a showcase to lure young people into criminal networks. Targeting especially young individuals from low-income families, these gangs present themselves as phenomena with images of a luxurious lifestyle and trendy shaved hairstyles. While the gangs recruit underage youths whom they see as "low risk, high return," the recently prepared indictment also included the name of the influencer Murat Övünç as a victim in the case.
New generation gang formations continue to lure young people into crime networks by using social media as a showcase.
Gang leaders, who present themselves as "phenomena" with images of luxury living, financial support, and displays of power, particularly target young people from poor families. Children aged 15-18, deceived by the promise of easy wealth, become a "low risk, high return" choice for gangs due to low penal sanctions. This age group is used by organizations for dangerous tasks such as transporting drugs by motorcycle, acting as lookouts, shooting up businesses, and committing murder.
OPEN THREATS ON TIKTOK According to a report in the Türkiye newspaper, organizations reach young people mostly through social media channels like TikTok, Instagram, and Telegram. One of the most striking examples of this was the "Taşlar" crime organization, which was recently dismantled in Istanbul. The 111-page indictment prepared by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office stated that the gang broadcasted its conflicts with other groups almost like a show.
MURAT ÖVÜNÇ ENTERED THE CASE AS A VICTIM According to the indictment, gang leader Ramazan Taş sent threatening messages to Berat Can Gökdemir (Can Dalton), known as the leader of the Dalton gang, via TikTok. The phenomenon Murat Övünç, who is listed as a victim in the case, stated that gang members Ömer Taş and Medeni Durak threatened to kill him and that their workplace was looted.
Berat Can Gökdemir (Can Dalton) Additionally, it was noted that Gökdemir's birthday was celebrated by firing long-barreled weapons in 11 countries, including Turkey, Russia, and Afghanistan, and that these images were shared on social media. It was also revealed that another gang, the Casperlar, was looking for hitmen over the internet.
The message shared by the perpetrators of the incident where Hakan Çakır was killed while trying to protect his sister, stating "Maybe we couldn't become kings, but we didn't recognize the king either," was also among the striking details.
CRIME CULTURE SPREADING THROUGH IMAGE: HAIRCUTS EVEN SEND MESSAGES Gang members are also creating a unique image for themselves. Shaved heads, sharp beard styles, and branded sportswear have become the common appearance of organizations. It is known that the hairstyle used by Berat Can Gökdemir, the leader of the Dalton gang, is also part of this "gangster" image.
This situation is being discussed not only in Turkey but also worldwide. The Central American country of El Salvador banned the shaved head hairstyle associated with gangster culture last August. The ban aims to break the image effect of crime organizations on young people.