02.11.2026 09:51
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek announced that an operation was carried out in 11 provinces, centered in Istanbul, as part of an investigation into expired cancer drugs being re-released to the market after their packaging and boxes were changed. In the investigation, in which 24 suspects, 3 of them public officials, were identified, 22 people were detained, while it was determined that the suspect individuals and companies reached a transaction volume of approximately 650 million liras.
In the investigation conducted by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, irregularities alleged to have been carried out involving medicines used in the treatment of cancer patients were scrutinized.
Within the scope of the investigation, criminal activities aimed at changing the packaging and boxes of expired cancer drugs and reintroducing them to the market, and offering these drugs for sale domestically and abroad, were investigated.
As a result of the technical surveillance, research, and examinations carried out, 24 suspects, 3 of whom are public officials, 4 companies, and 5 businesses were identified.
SUSPICIOUS TRANSACTION VOLUME OF 650 MILLION LIRA
In the financial examinations conducted within the scope of the investigation, the total transaction volume of the suspect individuals and companies was determined to be approximately 650 million lira.
It was determined that the said money movements were inconsistent with the declared commercial activities.
SIMULTANEOUS OPERATION IN 11 PROVINCES CENTERED IN ISTANBUL
Following the findings obtained, a simultaneous operation was conducted in 11 provinces centered in Istanbul, targeting 24 suspects and 5 businesses.
During the operations, 22 suspects were detained, while it was reported that efforts continue to capture 2 fugitive suspects.
In addition, movable and immovable properties and bank accounts assessed to have been obtained from the crime were seized.
MINISTER GÜRLEK: WE WILL NOT TOLERATE
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek, in his statement regarding the operation, emphasized that the fight against structures that endanger the treatment safety of cancer patients and turn patients' hope of healing into a gateway to unjust gain will continue resolutely.
Gürlek used the following statements in his statement:
"We will not tolerate those who endanger the lives of our patients and turn the hope of healing into a gateway to unjust gain!"
"WE WILL NOT ALLOW ANY CRIMINAL STRUCTURE"
Thanking the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office conducting the investigation, the Istanbul Provincial Police Department, and the public officials involved, Gürlek concluded his statement with the following words:
"We will not allow any criminal structure that threatens the health of our nation and risks human life for the sake of unjust gain!"