23.06.2026 08:10
In an operation targeting migrant smuggling across 8 provinces centered in Istanbul, 64 suspects were detained. It was determined that the suspects used fake documents and false declarations to provide illegal residence permits to a large number of foreign nationals and organized their activities through consultancy firms.
In a simultaneous operation conducted in 8 provinces centered in Istanbul targeting migrant smuggling, 64 suspects were detained. It was determined that the suspects provided illegal residence permits to numerous foreign nationals through forged documents and false declarations.
CONSULTANCY COMPANIES UNDER SCRUTINY
Teams from the Istanbul Police Department's Migrant Smuggling and Border Gates Branch Directorate, under the coordination of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, launched an investigation into crimes including forming a criminal organization, bribery, migrant smuggling, forgery of official documents, and making false statements in the preparation of official documents.
Within the scope of the investigation, the online accounting systems of some companies engaged in consultancy activities were examined. Evaluations revealed that migrant smuggling activities were carried out through these companies, and residence permits were illegally obtained on behalf of numerous foreign nationals.
THEY PROVIDED RESIDENCE PERMITS WITH FORGED DOCUMENTS
As a result of the teams' work, it was determined that the suspects altered documents used in residence permit applications, prepared documents with false content, or entirely forged documents.
Additionally, it was uncovered that public institutions were misled through false declarations, and the crime of migrant smuggling was committed in an organized manner using this method.
SIMULTANEOUS OPERATION IN 8 PROVINCES
Within the scope of the investigation, simultaneous operations were conducted at identified addresses in 8 provinces centered in Istanbul. During the operation, 64 suspects were caught and detained. While procedures regarding the suspects are ongoing, it was reported that the investigation into the incident continues.