A gang that set traps for tourists in taxis has been dismantled.

The gang that set traps for tourists in taxis in Istanbul has been dismantled.

THEY STOLEN MONEY WITH SLEIGHT OF HAND

It was determined by the Istanbul Police Department that taxi drivers and some individuals acting in concert with them were deceiving tourists and committing organized theft in the districts of Beyoğlu, Şişli, Bakırköy, and Fatih. The suspects were found to be directing foreign customers to their taxis and then stealing a portion of their money under the pretext of checking whether the money was fake or not. The suspects were caught on security cameras while committing some of the crimes.

RAIDS WERE CONDUCTED AT 36 ADDRESSES

Following the technical and physical surveillance conducted by the Public Order Branch and the Theft Bureau, an operation was launched against the members of the gang. Simultaneous raids were carried out at 36 previously identified addresses in the districts of Eyüpsultan, Esenler, Esenyurt, Ümraniye, Beyoğlu, Gaziosmanpaşa, Küçükçekmece, Şişli, Bağcılar, Ataşehir, and Pendik. A total of 24 suspects, including Saffet Ü. (45), who is alleged to be the gang leader, were detained during the raids. Four unlicensed firearms, 60 cartridges, and a police flashlight were seized during the searches.

A SUSPECTED TAXI DRIVER ON THE TARGET LIST WAS KILLED

It was revealed that Kerem Doğan, a person on the target list, was killed on November 19, 2024, during the police operation. In the incident that occurred in the Gürsel neighborhood of Kağıthane, it was determined that Kerem Doğan was killed as a result of a fight with another taxi driver, S.Y. It was learned that six suspects, including S.Y., were captured and arrested in connection with the murder. The suspects, whose interrogations are ongoing at the Theft Bureau, are expected to be referred to the courthouse after their procedures are completed.