08.07.2026 11:20
In the operation targeting suspects who were determined to have laundered approximately 784 million lira in proceeds from migrant smuggling in Istanbul under the guise of commercial activities, 6 people were detained. Large amounts of foreign currency, gold, silver, and assets were seized in the operation.
An operation was conducted against suspects who were found to have laundered approximately 784 million lira in proceeds from migrant smuggling under the guise of commercial activities in Istanbul. Six people were detained in the operation, and a large amount of foreign currency, gold, silver, and numerous assets were seized.
Teams from the Istanbul Police Department's Migrant Smuggling and Border Gates Branch Directorate, coordinated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, carried out an investigation into the crimes of 'establishing an organization for the purpose of committing crimes' and 'money laundering of assets derived from crime.'
In the investigation initiated based on analysis and evaluation reports prepared by the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), suspects who were identified as organizing the illegal entry and exit of foreign nationals to and from Turkey, facilitating their stay in the country, and managing the financial and logistical network of migrant smuggling activities were taken under surveillance.
HUNDREDS OF MILLION LIRA FRAUD THROUGH MONEY LAUNDERING NETWORK
In the investigation, it was determined that the suspects transferred the illicit proceeds obtained from migrant smuggling into the financial system by giving the appearance of international trade through two commercial companies linked to them.
Examinations revealed that through this method, they established an organized money laundering network and incorporated approximately 784 million 709 thousand 120 lira of illegal proceeds into the system under the guise of commercial activities.
6 SUSPECTS IN CUSTODY
Following the investigations, simultaneous operations were conducted today at addresses identified in Istanbul, Ağrı, and Yalova. Six suspects were detained in the operation.
Searches at the addresses yielded 65 thousand lira, 398 thousand euros, 145 thousand dollars, 206 kilograms of silver, and 1 kilogram of gold.
Within the scope of the investigation, 3 vehicles, 1 house, 1 company, and all bank and crypto asset accounts belonging to the suspects were also seized.