19.08.2026 07:50
The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office announced that 24 suspects have been detained within the scope of an investigation into human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and incitement to prostitution targeting 5 entertainment venues operating in Çankaya. It was reported that there are a total of 28 suspects in the investigation, and efforts continue regarding the fugitive suspects.
An operation was carried out by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office within the scope of an investigation conducted regarding crimes of human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and encouraging, mediating, or providing places for prostitution in entertainment venues. The Prosecutor's Office shared the details of the operation with the public.
5 ENTERTAINMENT VENUES WERE TARGETED
According to the statement made by the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, in the investigation carried out regarding the entertainment venues named Şımarık, Bişkek, Söğütdalı, Art Cafe/Bar, and Sindoma, various pieces of evidence and findings were obtained as a result of wiretapping and recording of communications, evaluation of signal information, intermediary apprehensions, and statements taken. Within the scope of the investigation, it was alleged that a total of 28 suspects, who were deemed to be the owners, employees, or associates of these venues, recruited foreign women who had entered Turkey legally or held residence permits, with the promise of employing them in regular jobs.
PROSTITUTION CHARGE
It was claimed that the suspects, exploiting the difficult situations of the women, forced them to perform hostessing at customer tables, helped some women who were in an irregular situation to escape from or hide during law enforcement operations, and provided them with shelter. It was stated that findings were obtained indicating that some women were sent to houses and hotels for the purpose of prostitution and that undue profit was obtained through this means.
24 PEOPLE DETAINED
The Chief Public Prosecutor's Office reported that on August 18, within the scope of the articles of the Turkish Penal Code regulating the crimes of human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and encouraging, mediating, or providing places for prostitution, 24 suspects were detained, and search and seizure operations were carried out at the workplaces. It was noted that efforts to capture the fugitive suspects are ongoing.