20.08.2026 12:40
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek, in his statement regarding the operations organized in Ankara against prostitution, human trafficking, and migrant smuggling, stated that decisive action would be taken against structures disturbing the peace of the capital, saying, "The breath of the state is upon those who profit from these filthy schemes."
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek shared the details of two separate investigations carried out by the security forces under the coordination of the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and the Ankara Western Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.
Emphasizing the security of the capital and social order, Gürlek stated that no tolerance would be shown to groups that exploit the helplessness of women and make unjust profits.
SIMULTANEOUS RAIDS IN TWO DISTRICTS
Within the scope of the investigations, large-scale operations were carried out in Etimesgut and Çankaya.
In the investigation into the use of daily-rented houses for prostitution in Etimesgut, 50 separate acts were identified. In the operations, 29 victim women and 47 informants were identified, and 18 of the 21 suspects were apprehended. Of the suspects referred to the court, 6 were arrested, and judicial control measures were imposed on 4 others.
In Çankaya, proceedings were initiated against 28 suspects at 5 separate entertainment venues on charges of "human trafficking," "migrant smuggling," and "encouraging prostitution." In the raids, 26 suspects were apprehended, and a total of 18 individuals without legal residence status were identified, including 15 foreign women.
"NO ROOM FOR MANEUVER WILL BE LEFT FOR SUCH STRUCTURES"
Stating that the proceeds of crime and dirty schemes would be resolutely pursued, Minister Gürlek emphasized that citizens should be assured. Gürlek noted that no room for maneuver would be left for such structures in Ankara and thanked the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, the Ankara Western Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, and the relevant branch directorates within the Ankara Provincial Police Department for carrying out successful operations.
"WE WILL NOT TURN A BLIND EYE TO THOSE WHO EXPLOIT THE HELPLESSNESS OF WOMEN"
Minister Gürlek used the following statements in his statement:
"We will not turn a blind eye to structures that disrupt the peace, security, and social order of our capital; exploit the helplessness of women; and make unjust profits through human trafficking and prostitution. We will resolutely intervene within the framework of the law against all forms of corruption in these areas in Ankara.
Within the scope of two separate investigations carried out by our Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and our Ankara Western Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, significant work has been carried out in coordination with the Public Order and Anti-Migrant Smuggling units of our Ankara Provincial Police Department.
In the investigation conducted regarding the use of daily-rented houses for prostitution in the Etimesgut region, 50 separate acts were identified; 29 women victims, 47 informants, and 21 suspects were determined. In the operations carried out, 18 suspects were apprehended; 6 of the suspects were arrested, and judicial control measures were imposed on 4. Proceedings against the other suspects are ongoing.
In the investigation into 5 entertainment venues operating in the Çankaya region, proceedings were initiated against 28 suspects within the scope of human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and encouraging, mediating, or providing premises for prostitution; 26 suspects were apprehended; 15 foreign women and 3 individuals without legal residence status were identified. Necessary proceedings against the suspects are being carried out promptly.
"THE BREATH OF THE STATE IS ON THOSE WHO PROFIT FROM THIS DIRTY SCHEME"
I want to state clearly here: We will leave no space for those who turn people's helplessness into a source of income, those who exploit women, and those who make money from prostitution and human trafficking to move freely in our capital, Ankara, the apple of our eye. These efforts will be resolutely continued with the strong coordination of our judicial authorities and security units.
On this occasion, I extend my thanks to our Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and our Ankara Western Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, which meticulously conduct the investigations; to our Ankara Provincial Police Department Public Order Branch Directorate, our Anti-Migrant Smuggling and Border Gates Branch Directorate, and all public officials involved in the process who successfully carried out the field operations.
Let our citizens rest assured: The breath of the state is on those who profit from these dirty schemes. The schemes established by those who profit from crime will be uncovered one by one; the proceeds of crime will be pursued, and the procedures prescribed by law will be resolutely applied to those responsible."