21.08.2026 22:00
Within the scope of the investigation conducted by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office into entertainment venues operating in the Çankaya district, 24 suspects were detained regarding the crimes of human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and encouraging, facilitating, or procuring prostitution. Of the suspects, 19 were arrested, while judicial control measures were imposed on 5 suspects.
According to the statement made by the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, an investigation was launched into crimes deemed to have occurred at entertainment venues named Şımarık, Bişkek, Söğütdalı, Art Cafe/Bar, and Sindoma operating in the Çankaya district. Within the scope of the investigation, measures such as wiretapping and recording of communications and evaluation of signal information were applied, and as a result of intercepts and statements taken, various pieces of evidence and findings were obtained. As a result of the efforts, a total of 28 suspects were identified who were considered to be the owners, employees, or associates of these entertainment venues.
ALLEGATION OF DECEIVING WOMEN WITH JOB PROMISES
It was stated that the suspects recruited foreign women who had come to Turkey legally with visas to work and build a better life due to war, economic hardships, family problems, and similar reasons in their countries, whose legal right to stay was ongoing or had expired, or who were in the country with residence permits, by deceiving them primarily with the promise of working in regular jobs. It was noted that the women were then forced to do hostessing at customer tables by exploiting their difficult situation and vulnerability.
The statement also recorded that some women were employed despite being known to be in Turkey illegally, that they were helped to escape or hide during police operations, and that they were provided accommodation at addresses supplied by the suspects. It was also reported that some women were sent to houses and hotels for prostitution, and illicit gains were obtained through this means.
19 SUSPECTS ARRESTED
Within the scope of the investigation, 24 suspects who were caught were detained on August 18. Legal proceedings were initiated against the suspects for human trafficking as defined in Article 80 of the Turkish Penal Code, migrant smuggling as defined in Article 79, and encouraging prostitution, acting as an intermediary, or providing a place as defined in Article 227.
As part of the procedures against the suspects, search and seizure operations were also carried out at the relevant workplaces. After their procedures at the police station, 24 suspects were referred to the courthouse. The Criminal Judgeship of Peace decided to arrest 19 of the suspects and impose judicial control measures on 5 of them.