12.06.2026 21:00
Hot development in the major operation across 7 provinces centered in Istanbul targeting the armed criminal organization of the red notice gang leader detained in Italy! Of the 45 suspects, including lawyers, facing charges of qualified robbery and threats, 37 have been referred to the criminal court of peace with a request for arrest after police procedures.
A hot development occurred in the major operation conducted in 7 provinces centered in Istanbul against an organized armed criminal group whose leader is detained in Italy. The procedures of 45 suspects taken into custody at the police station were completed and they were referred to the courthouse. The prosecutor's office requested arrest warrants for 37 of the suspects.
45 SUSPECTS BROUGHT TO THE COURTHOUSE
The police interrogation of 45 individuals caught in simultaneous operations carried out on June 9, coordinated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and teams from the Istanbul Police Department's Organized Crime Branch Directorate, has ended. The suspects, who underwent health checks under extensive security measures, were referred to the Istanbul Courthouse in Çağlayan.
ARREST REQUEST FOR 37 PEOPLE
Of the suspects, whose statements were taken by the public prosecutor, 37 were sent to the duty criminal judgeship with a request for arrest, and 8 with a request for release under judicial control. The procedures and interrogations of the organized crime group members before the judge are ongoing.
MINISTER GÜRLEK ANNOUNCED ON SOCIAL MEDIA
The major operation that sparked great public reaction was announced by Justice Minister Akın Gürlek via his social media account. Emphasizing that the fight against street gangs and organized crime groups will continue uncompromisingly, Minister Gürlek stated that these structures target public order and the future of young people.
According to the information shared by Minister Gürlek; simultaneous raids were conducted on 113 addresses in Istanbul, Tekirdağ, Izmir, Siirt, Samsun, Tokat, and Şanlıurfa against the organization led by its leader, who has a red notice and is detained in Italy.
INCLUDING 6 LAWYERS
In the in-depth investigation conducted, it was determined that gang members were involved in aggravated robbery and threats, attempted to direct or prevent the statements of suspects, and provided financial support to the organization. Out of the 54 suspects targeted in the operation, 45, including 6 lawyers, were firmly caught.
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek stated that, within the scope of all investigations carried out to date against the said armed criminal group, legal proceedings have been initiated against a total of 700 suspects, and indictments have been prepared and public lawsuits filed. The investigation is being pursued by judicial authorities from multiple angles.